HNK Zajca opens new season with Dostoevsky’s ‘The Idiot’

The Croatian National Theatre (HNK) Ivana pl. Zajca in Rijeka is launching its new theatrical season with a premiere of ‘The Idiot’. Based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classic novel, the production features a contemporary adaptation by Croatian author Ivor Martinić and is directed by Janusz Kica.

The play explores themes of human relationships, passion, and the radical nature of kindness in a modern, fast-paced, and superficial world. Director Janusz Kica described the novel as an ‘intruder’ in today’s society due to its deep psychological insight. The production follows a series of dialogue-driven scenes involving young people whose chance encounters evolve into intimacy, dependency, and ultimately tragedy.

Deni Sanković stars as Prince Myshkin, portraying a character defined by empathy and innocence, while Aleksandra Stojaković Olenjuk plays Nastasya Filippovna. The production also features Petar Baljak as Rogozhin and Nika Grbelja as Aglaja.