Zagreb’s nightlife will be getting a glamorous new addition soon.
Even though we would normally associate cities like Paris with Burlesque and Cabaret, it looks like Zagreb will soon be getting its own dose of glamorous shows, Jutarnji list reports on October 14, 2017.
Audience sitting in booths, sipping on drinks while exotic dancers dance in their colourful costumes is a sight which should become a reality in Zagreb – at the renovated VIP klub, at the City’s Main Square.
The City has decided to give the space (located underneath Johann Franck) to Komedija Theatre to use, provided the theatre offered a programme that would enrich the cultural and touristic offer of the City. The Theatre management has come up with everything – from interior design to concept and performers.
Komedija Theatre director Krešimir Batinić says that this is exactly what the city needs.
“The changes we are working on are aesthetic, and, even though we have had some limitations due to the original design, we have decided to renovate it completely and make it more similar to cabaret clubs abroad. I think our architect has done a great job,” Mr Batinić added.
As far as the programme is concerned, Miro Ungar will be in charge of dance acts, singers and stand-up comedians, and Matija Dedić will be in charge of jazz concerts, all of which will be adapted to Zagreb audience. Mr Ungar already organised similar shows back in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
“Zagreb doesn’t have a cabaret programme, and the city needs one. That is why I have come up with performances filled with humour, dance, aesthetics, great dancers, and a hint of eroticism. You can look forward to seeing a step duo from Slovenia, comedians including Mario Petreković, Peđa Bajović, Ivica Zadro and Žarko Potočnjak as Bobi and Rudi, and many other great performers,” Mr Ungar said, adding that the club will host an international Burlesque Festival next year.
Soloists from Komedija will also be performing at the club with titles changing every season, and Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra will also be performing concerts dedicated to Queen.
“We want to attract a new and young audience. The auditorium is not the same as in your average theatre, but it seats 120,” Komedija director Krešimir Batinić said.
The first cabaret in Zagreb opened in Pik-Bar in the Central Café on Ban Jelačić Square in the early 1900s and that type of entertainment was especially popular during WWII, when satirical plays by famous Croatian authors were staged there, and many actors had political performances which got some of them arrested.
Ritz Cabaret (Petrinjska 4, currently Groove) was one of the most popular clubs as well.
Photos from Zagreb – kakav je bio nekada, Facebook.
Excerpts translated from Jutarnji list.
