As a critic that covers professional theatre, and a playwright who is produced by professional groups, the world of amateur theatre has an absolute fascination for me. Being with people for whom theatre is not a job but pure love and a means of artistic expression – while they live ordinary lives - gives me opportunity to feel theatre craft or art in a completely different view.
And suddenly, being with a people who are involved in amateur theatre not only on a artistic but on an organizational level, as it was a case in 28th Congress of AITA/IATA, gave me a new, and again, different insight into this world. Was a fact that Congress was well organized a surprise? No, not at all, but what I liked the most - and what reminded me of a meetings and festival of Croatian amateur theatres - was a fact that every problem that Congress encountered on a the way (transportation, schedule of perfromances...) was quickly solved without many complaining. There were simply no big professional stars who would be offended by amateurish organization!
Congress was hard work but a pleasant place, mostly because of the people, those who do not survive on theatre but live it, which makes a big difference. What I liked the most was a strong will, felt in every corner and in every conversation, to make things in amateur theatre better, to involve more people, young and old, in this human activity that allows everyone to express themselves. That's why amateur theatre exists: as a possibility for ordinary people who are not artists by proffession – farmers, teachers, clerks... - not only to enjoy theatre as a high and untouchable art form, but actually to be on the stage, to create a new artistic world.
Amateur theatre in Croatia is surprisingly alive and well. Why surprisingly? Because, as in any other transition country people in Croatia have to work really hard to make living and have not much time for free activities and fun. Survival is important in a country that recently got out of communism and a war of independence but, against all odds, people do have a strong need to do something more than just survive.
There are over 100 amateur theatre groups in Croatia, and a festival of the best productions is held every year in May. There are always professionals involved with a festival: selectors/artistic directors, jury members and discussion moderators are always member of professional theatre communities so people involved with amateur theatres can hear professional advice during interesting everyday's discussions.
Aesthetic or interests of amateur theatre groups in Croatia could be divided into three main groups:
- Comedy theatre based on popular tradition, often in local dialect and loved by audiences and actors alike
- Folk theatre – interested in keeping old folk traditions of different regions or minority groups
- Student-alternative groups interested in new esthetics and theatre research
Not only aesthetics but acting and directing skills in Croatian amateur thetre vary a lot, but the main organization which covers all amateur's (not only theatre) groups is Hrvatski sabor kulture. It organizes workshops with professionals in order to improve the skills of amateur actors and the leaders of the groups. However, this professionals are very careful not to to change groups' aesthetics, ideas and visions of theatre.
Unlike professional theatre in Croatia, which hardly can bring anything unexpected to its audience, amateurs are a constant surprise. Whenever you enter an amateur's venue you can be sure that something new and unexpected will happen: dimming the lights on the audience is always the start of a great adventure.
Jasen Boko
And suddenly, being with a people who are involved in amateur theatre not only on a artistic but on an organizational level, as it was a case in 28th Congress of AITA/IATA, gave me a new, and again, different insight into this world. Was a fact that Congress was well organized a surprise? No, not at all, but what I liked the most -
Congress was hard work but a pleasant place, mostly because of the people, those who do not survive on theatre but live it, which makes a big difference. What I liked the most was a strong will, felt in every corner and in every conversation, to make things in amateur theatre better, to involve more people, young and old, in this human activity that allows everyone to express themselves. That's why amateur theatre exists: as a possibility for ordinary people who are not artists by proffession – farmers, teachers, clerks... -
Amateur theatre in Croatia is surprisingly alive and well. Why surprisingly? Because, as in any other transition country people in Croatia have to work really hard to make living and have not much time for free activities and fun. Survival is important in a country that recently got out of communism and a war of independence but, against all odds, people do have a strong need to do something more than just survive.
There are over 100 amateur theatre groups in Croatia, and a festival of the best productions is held every year in May. There are always professionals involved with a festival: selectors/artistic directors, jury members and discussion moderators are always member of professional theatre communities so people involved with amateur theatres can hear professional advice during interesting everyday's discussions.
Aesthetic or interests of amateur theatre groups in Croatia could be divided into three main groups:
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Not only aesthetics but acting and directing skills in Croatian amateur thetre vary a lot, but the main organization which covers all amateur's (not only theatre) groups is
Unlike professional theatre in Croatia, which hardly can bring anything unexpected to its audience, amateurs are a constant surprise. Whenever you enter an amateur's venue you can be sure that something new and unexpected will happen: dimming the lights on the audience is always the start of a great adventure.
Jasen Boko
Krka
Pula
