Croatian National Theatre Renews Artistic Director’s Contract
By Francisco SalazarThe Croatian National Theatre has appointed Dr. Iva Hraste-Sočo for a second term as Artistic Director.
The Government of the Republic of Croatia announced the news, stating that Hraste-Sočo would take the job from Sept. 2, 2026, to Sept. 2, 2030.
In her first term, Hraste-Sočo achieved a series of strategic and artistic advances that firmly positioned the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb as one of the internationally recognized cultural institutions in Central Europe.
In a statement she said, “In my next term as director, I see the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb as a space of synergy between tradition and modernity, artistic excellence and social engagement — as a national house of a new generation, of satisfied artists and employees, open to all citizens, rooted in the European cultural space and ready to shape the future of Croatian theatre, said Iva Hraste-Sočo.”
Minister of Culture and Media, Dr. sc. Nina Obuljen Koržinek, added, “During her first term, Intendant Hraste-Sočo achieved a number of significant results that positioned the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb as an internationally relevant and recognizable cultural institution in the European and global context. During that period, the artistic work of the theatre was strengthened, a diverse repertoire was developed, and strides were made in international cooperation, access to the audience, and the availability of programs to a wide range of citizens. We would like to emphasize in particular that during her term, the construction of a new stage for the Croatian National Theatre in Adžijina Street was initiated, which is expected to open this fall, and which was initiated and financed by the Government of the Republic of Croatia.”
Hraste-Sočo is a member of the board of directors of the Opera Europa network, and since March 2025 she has held the position of vice-president of this largest European platform of opera houses — as the highest-ranking Croatian representative to date. She is also a member of the jury of the FEDORA Prizes Biennale.
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