The third theatre premiere this summer was Masks, a monodrama by Dražen Šivak. Performed last night, 12 August on the Bokar Fort, the excellent combination of lecture and acting was rewarded with long applause that called the director-and-actor back to bow as many as five times.

– It's unusual to finally have an audience because this is a show where I interact with them and I couldn't wait for them to come. Although at first glance in the form of a lecture, Masks are still a dialogue because I have to feel the attention of the audience and go with them. I am very satisfied, the play was "born" and now begins its life – said director and actor Dražen Šivak just after the premiere.

The monodrama Masks represents the revival of the tradition of commedia dell'arte, a theatrical form that was born in Italy during the 15^th century, with which Dubrovnik, thanks to Marin Držić, shares a tradition. In the form of a lecture performance, the play takes us through the symbolism, history and skills that are closely related to the mask as a performance element. The actor on stage explains the meaning of masks and archetypes that are represented in the commedia dell'arte technique through the form of a lecture and traveling through the drama classics of Croatian and world theatre, the audience connect archetypal stories about human relationships and create parallels with the characters of our contemporaries.

Along with Dražen Šivak, the creative team includes dramaturges Patrik Gregurec and Karla Leko, costume designer Petra Pavičić, creative associate Maja Posavec, lighting designer Bartul Pejković, song author Željko Vukmirica and Ida Klemenčić who oversees the Art Organization Grupa production.

The play, co-produced by the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and the Grupa Art Organization in collaboration with Scena Ribnjak, was made possible with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb Department of culture, international and intercity cooperation, and civil society.

It is on the 74^th Festival’s programme tonight, 13 August on the Bokar Fort. Tickets are sold out.