The first national opera “Jazavac pred sudom”, composed by Vlado S. Milošević, will premiere on 3 November at 20 :00 on the Grand Stage of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska. This event also marks the opening of the Symphony Orchestra’s fourth concert season and a significant step in the preservation and revitalization of the national musical heritage.
The opera, based on the famous story by Petar Kočić, features a libretto by Ranko Risojević and direction by Milan Bogdanović. The performance will involve the Symphony Orchestra of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska, conducted by Dušan Vere Urošević, with leading roles by tenor Mladen Prodan, bass Strahinja Đokić, baritone Tamaš Kiš, and actor-tenor Pavle Pavić, supported by the women’s vocal ensemble ANIP “Veselin Masleša”.
The scenography is by Dunja Kostić, costumes by Ivana Ristić; concertmaster Dušica Blaženović; and coaches Ana Ćosović and Stefan Lopandić. Vocal consultant is Sofija Vučićević, assistant director Zlatko Subotić, prompter Tamara Jovičić, and stage manager Dejan Andrić.
Composer Vlado S. Milošević completed this chamber one-act in 1977; it premiered in Sarajevo in 1978 and was only once performed in Banja Luka in 1981. This new production by the National Theatre of Republika Srpska represents the first modern revival of this major work of the Serbian musical scene, symbolically reconnecting Banja Luka with a great composer whose work — though highly valuable — has been under-explored and rarely performed.
“Jazavac pred sudom” presents Kočić’s well-known story of the little man before an unyielding system — a tale that, more than a century later, resonates with its strong message about injustice, absurdity and the individual’s fight against incomprehensible authority. Milošević’s music combines folk melody with modern orchestral expression, while Risojević’s libretto retains the spirit and language of Kočić’s satire, providing it with new stage and musical dimensions. The opera is simultaneously humorous and moving, enriched with authentic sound colours and symbolism — from echoes of the mountain region to courtroom irony that becomes a universal metaphor.
The first reprise is scheduled for 4 November at 20 :00.
Source: RTRS
