The stage of culture – capital of culture. On 400 years of Hvar theatre

Abstract

The paper marks the 400th anniversary of Hvar Theatre and analyses it in terms of its presence in the media and in the public in general, as well as in terms of cultural politics. The analysis is focused on determining the value of the theatre as one of the historical places of culture. Particular attention is paid to the changes of the Hvar Theatre repertoire, interpreting the theatrical stage both as a mirror and a foreshadower of social changes and the state of politics and culture. Through their continuity, content and innovativeness, Hvar Theatre and the scientific conference Hvar Theatre Days, which thus combine scientific investigation of Croatian literary heritage with live performances of literary texts on the theatre’s and other stages in the town of Hvar, testify to the value of such institutions. Hvar Theatre as a specific site, as well as the site reserved for the accompanying scientific conferences is a prerequisite for further exploitation of this segment of Croatian cultural capital, which is on a par with the achievements of the long-established European cultural and scientific institutions.