Split Festival premieres ‘Galeb i ja’ Dalmatian jukebox musical

The Split Festival hosted the premiere of ‘Galeb i ja’, the first Dalmatian jukebox musical, at the Prokurative venue. The production, directed by Ivan Leo Lemo, marks the festival's first foray into theatrical musical forms.

The premiere faced significant last-minute challenges. Actor Pere Eranović informed the audience that the production was nearly canceled just hours before the show due to lead actress Ana Uršula Najev losing her voice and various technical difficulties. Antonela Dojčinović stepped in to visually represent the role.

The musical is based on the iconic song ‘Galeb i ja’, which was originally performed by Oliver Dragojević at the Split Festival in 1975. Although it initially placed eighth, a later poll of 666 people named it the most beautiful song in the festival's history. The musical explores Split's identity and values through famous Dalmatian songs and movement.