Vidra scene – satirical theater as a center of social awareness and tolerance

How did it all start?

In 1964 in Zagreb a satirical cabaret called ''Jazavac'' was produced. Cabaret was performed in the cafe Bled in Medulićeva street. The audience sat at the tables, from where they watched a cabaret, and after they were served with dinner. Given that the cabaret was very successful, and the pace of everyday appearances was very tiring, ''Jazavac'' formed the first ensemble which was made up of performers from the student theater. After seven years of ups and downs, ''Jazavac'' moved to the hall with 500 seats in the center of Zagreb. Cabaret has continued to be the main genre, but they have decided to work a little more on humor and satire.

Image credit: Theatre Kerempuh Facebook page

The ensemble was soon reinforced and a new big hall shortly became too small. Therefore in 1981, they opened the second scene - Vidra in Draškovićeva street. Their goal was to expand the laughter and leisure of ''Jazavac'' with audiences all over the city.  Finally, in 1994, ''Jazavac'' changed its name to Theatre Kerempuh.

Vidra scene today

Vidra scene, the other theater hall of satirical theater Kerempuh, was named after a nickname of Croatian playwright and poet, Marin Držić who was called ''Vidra'' in his hometown, Dubrovnik.

Today, satire and comedy still have a major role, but you can also see the performances of choirs and other cultural and artistic associations that are suitable for children and adults.

Image credit: Scena Vidra

In the late 2014, the hall of the Vidra theater was remodeled and now is fully suitable for disabled people. They set the mobile ramp that allows people in wheelchairs to access the hall, tactile paths, embossed surface that leads blind people through the lobby to the entrance of the hall, but also new designation seat in Braille. By doing that, Vidra scene became the center of social awareness and tolerance.

Performances

Vidra scene shows various performances from the genre of melodrama to comedy that satirically problematize interpersonal relationships, especially male - female relationships, communication problems, the issue of motherhood, female power, and many others. The schedule of upcoming plays and more information about them can be found here: Upcoming shows

Image credit: Scena Vidra

Tickets are available from Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 hours if there are no evening performances, but if there are evening shows, you can buy your tickets from 10:00 to 15:00 and from 18:00 to 20:00. On Sundays, the box office works 2 hours before the show.

The best way to get to the theater is by tram and the lines that lead to Draškovićeva street are 2/4/6/8/9 and 13.

So, If you want to experience Zagreb through laughter and plays, and if you want to escape from everyday life, we definitely recommend Vidra scene.

Header image credit: Scena Vidra

Author: Nina Klarin