Ero the Joker

A comic opera
 

As Jakov Gotovac’s most successful work, the opera Ero the Joker has been considered one of the best Slavic comic operas of all time. Since its premiere in the Croatian National Theatre in 1935, it has been an almost constant part of the repertoires of all Croatian national theatres. Begović's humorous verses are sung to arias inspired by folk-music and bring to life the best and the worst of the rural Dalmatian hinterland. The main character of the opera is Mića, a young man from a wealthy rural family. While looking for a girl he could marry, he follows his mother’s advice and pretends to be a poor man. He introduces himself as Ero from another world, wanting to be certain that his chosen one, Đula, truly loves him. Although he tricks many, in the end he is forgiven and gets the girl he loves. Our production is based on main arias, sung by some of the most prominent opera singers, and the libretto is shortened and adapted for younger audiences. Spectacular puppets introduce the audience to the colourful world of rural Croatia and different techniques of puppetry are used to depict various characters.