March 20, 2020 – HNK Ivan pl. Zajc Rijeka reacts to the coronavirus crisis with an online program.
The Croatian National Theatre in Rijeka won’t let the corona crisis take them down, and instead has reacted with an online program including morning poetry, ballet, and fairy tales at bedtime.
HNK Ivan pl. Zajc Rijeka writes in full:
“In the circumstances of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Rijeka Theater decided to act responsibly and in solidarity with its audience, citizens of Rijeka and the wider community, especially those most vulnerable, either because of their age or because they are on the front line of defense against the COVID-19.
As is well known, the theater is unimaginable without the public gathering of a large number of people, and in essence, theater is social contact and collective experience of a theater act, which is why we had to cancel our programs among the first.
Also, due to the specificity of the theater work, some of our ensembles cannot continue their regular and usual work, because their action and creation involve gathering more people(orchestra, choir) and physical contact (ballet ensemble).
Nevertheless, we decided, until all the work in public institutions was banned, to reorganize and harness all our creativity so that we could continue to work and act responsibly and in solidarity. Therefore, we announce that we are creating a program called “Zajc with You” that will be available through Youtube and social networks.
From Friday, March 20, as long as we are allowed to work, “Zajc” begins with its online program of the following content and schedule:
1. Morning selfie poetry
At 8 am every morning, one actor in Croatian or Italian drama will read poetry for you. One song every morning!
2. Aria at noon
Every day at noon, the soloist of our opera ensemble will perform one aria with personal dedication.
3. “Zajc with you” – fairy tales for bedtime
Actors of Croatian and Italian Drama will tell your children a bedtime story at 8 pm every night.
4. Ballet insomnia
In the evening, at 10 pm, the program “Zajc with you” will be concluded with a short dance video: ballet practice, solo, choreographic fragments …
Of course, during our online presence, all non-at-risk Theater employees work from home or in the Theater building, respecting all security measures, and are preparing a program to start as soon as we are allowed to open our doors to our audience. All employees are ready to extend the duration of this and start the new theater season early, all in order to realize all of the planned program this year. “Zajc” is a theater that has always been and will be here because of the citizens of Rijeka. Because a city without Theater is like a city without identity. A city without a theater is not really a city.
All information about canceled performances that were on sale can be obtained at the box office (tel. 051 / 337-114, e-mail: [email protected]). For most programs, we already offer replacement dates in May, June and July, and if the offered replacement terms do not match or do not exist, you can earn a refund for tickets purchased by April 14 at the box office.
Box office hours: Monday to Friday 9 am – 3 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 1 pm.”
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