Cultural shifts in Croatia and Serbia highlight arts and urban heritage

In Croatia, director Ivica Buljan has staged a theatrical adaptation of László Krasznahorkai’s novel ‘Hersch 07769’ as part of the Split Summer program. The production tackles the complex formal structure of the novel, which follows Florian Hersch, a young man obsessed with the fear of an impending apocalypse. The narrative explores themes of radicalization and social anxiety within a fictionalized version of Thuringia, Germany.

In Serbia, discussions regarding the cultural heritage and urban identity of Valjevo highlight the impact of rapid development. Residents and experts note that modern investment and construction are encroaching upon the city's historic center, potentially erasing the collective memory and architectural soul of the community. The loss of traditional gathering spaces and historic buildings is seen as a shift in the city's fundamental identity.