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In the year that marks the 130th anniversary of the ceremonious opening of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, the CNT opens the doors of its new, modern theatre stage, CNT2, at Božidar Adžija Street 7a in Zagreb.

On Monday, November 3, 2025, the audience will step into a venue that symbolizes the future of performing arts for the first time. The historic moment will be marked by the performance of the festive program titled Glory of Art 2.0.

This is a theatre celebration that connects the past and the future, tradition and innovation, the program that opened the Croatian National Theatre building in Zagreb in 1895, and the current contemporary interpretation. This artistic event brings together the Drama, Opera and Ballet ensembles in a unique theatre celebration that simultaneously celebrates history and announces the future of the national theatre. The stage director of Glory of Art 2.0 is Krešimir Dolenčić, who, along with dramaturge Dino Pešut, wrote the script for the performance, while the orchestra is led by conductor Ivan Josip Skender.

The general manager of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Dr. Iva Hraste Sočo, said on the occasion of the opening: “This evening will be a dedication to art in all its forms, music, words, movement, image and space. A synthesis of musical, dramatic and visual elements, ‘Glory of Art 2.0’ brings deep respect for the Croatian cultural tradition and theatrical heritage, but also opens the door to new generations. We want to show how tradition and modernity complement each other and how new venues and technologies can be used to deepen the experience of art. The opening of the CNT2 marks the beginning of a new era for the central national theatre, one in which art remains the central place for the creation of cultural identity and social development.”

Stage director Krešimir Dolenčić emphasized that the opening program will summarize everything that the Croatian National Theatre symbolizes. Remembering the past, but also looking to the future. Along with excerpts from the opera Nikola Šubić Zrinjski by Ivan noble Zajc, which was also performed at the historic opening of the theater on today's Republic of Croatia Square, an excerpt from the contemporary Croatian opera Judita by Frano Parać based on the epic poem by Marko Marulić will also be performed. The ballet ensemble will perform a part from the ballet The Glembays choreographed by Leo Mujić based on the play by Miroslav Krleža, and the drama ensemble will perform a collage of texts by great Croatian writers, poets and playwrights who have marked the last 130 years.

“It is an exceptional honor for me to participate in the opening of the new theater stage in Zagreb and I consider it one of the greatest honors I have ever received. The new stage of the CNT2 will begin its regular program in a few days: premieres, plays, concerts and everything that makes the theater a living organism. With this ceremony, we will be both sparkling and dignified, just as befits such a great and important occasion,” said Dolenčić.

After the opening, the CNT2 will host its first performance on November 14, 2025 — the new production of the cult musical Cabaret directed by Leo Mujić. Cabaret brings together the Drama, Opera and Ballet ensembles in a joint artistic project, confirming the mission of the new stage as a space open to research, contempor