The Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb and the prestigious Spanish Festival Peralada are leading a new Mediterranean theatrical collaboration.From the theatre — 11. August 2026.
The Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb and the Festival Peralada, one of Europe's most prestigious performing arts festivals, are embarking on a new international artistic collaboration that will connect Zagreb and Catalonia through an exchange of programmes.
On the occasion of the 40th Festival Peralada, a working meeting was held between Dr. Iva Hraste Sočo, Intendant of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, and Oriol Aguilà, Artistic Director of the Festival, along with their respective associates, at which the first framework of a multi-year collaboration between the two institutions was established.
The centrepiece of the future exchange is the international Zagreb Opera Festival, alongside a reciprocal guest appearance by the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb at the Festival Peralada.
The collaboration plans were announced to media representatives gathered in Peralada on the occasion of the ceremonial closing of the jubilee 40th edition of the Festival. On this occasion, the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb and the Zagreb Opera Festival were introduced to journalists and editors from leading Spanish media specialising in culture, opera, and classical music, including La Vanguardia, RITMO, Codalario, Recomana, Press Music, and Catalunya Música, as well as the international opera publication Pro Ópera México.
Intendant Dr. Hraste-Sočo highlighted the development of the Zagreb Opera Festival as an international platform connecting Zagreb with leading European opera houses, festivals, and artists, stating:
"The Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb has been developing its international collaboration vigorously since 2022, building long-term partnerships with leading European theatres and festivals. The partnership with the Festival Peralada, in the very year of its 40th edition, holds particular significance for us, as it connects two vibrant cultural communities and opens space for long-term exchange of artists, productions, and theatrical ideas. Croatia belongs to the Mediterranean cultural sphere, and I believe the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb can be one of the forerunners of its stronger artistic integration. Our ambition is both to bring the best of European art before Zagreb audiences and to position Croatian artists and our productions on international stages."
Festival Peralada Director Oriol Aguilà emphasised the importance of connecting institutions that share a common vision of international cultural collaboration:
"The fortieth edition of the Festival Peralada is for us not merely an opportunity to look back on the Festival's rich history, but above all to think about its future. The collaboration with the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb and the Zagreb Opera Festival opens a new chapter in connecting our artistic communities. We share a Mediterranean identity, but above all the conviction that the future of the performing arts is built through international collaboration, exchange, and co-creation. We look forward to coming to Zagreb and to the prospect of subsequently welcoming the artists of the Zagreb Croatian National Theatre to Peralada," said Oriol Aguilà.
