- by croatiaweek
- February 7, 2026
-
in
Entertainment
(Photo: Grad Split)
Split marks a unique cultural milestone this month as Kraljica lopte (The Queen of the Ball), the operetta by renowned Croatian composer Ivo Tijardović, returns to the city exactly 100 years after its original premiere.
The new production will premiere at the Croatian National Theatre Split (HNK Split) on 11 February 2026, commemorating a century since the operetta was first performed in 1926.
Written to celebrate the 15th anniversary of HNK Hajduk Split, Kraljica lopte is far more than a theatrical work, it stands as a cultural and historical document of a time when football was becoming an inseparable part of Split’s identity.
Originally inspired by the spirit of the Old Hajduk pitch at Stari plac, the operetta captures the passion, humour and energy of a city in which sport and culture naturally coexist.
(Photo: Grad Split)
A hundred years later, its return to Split’s main theatrical stage highlights the enduring bond between the city, its football club and its artistic heritage.
Split is widely regarded as one of the rare cities where culture and sport intertwine seamlessly. This was emphasised by Deputy Mayor Matea Dorčić, who underlined the broader significance of the project for the city’s identity.
“In Split, music, art, culture and sport are inseparably linked. This project confirms that we are a city that breathes both sport and creativity equally. The cooperation between the City of Split, HNK Split and Hajduk shows how naturally sport and culture complement one another here. These are projects that deserve continuous investment and development,” Dorčić said.
For HNK Hajduk, the production holds special symbolic value. Board member Marinka Akrap described Kraljica lopte as the most meaningful gift the club could receive for its 115th anniversary, noting that it beautifully reflects Hajduk’s deep connection with the city, its people, culture and traditions.
(Photo: Grad Split)
She also highlighted an intriguing historical detail, the original 1926 poster for the operetta featured the Hajduk crest for the first time in history.
HNK Split’s intendant Božo Župić reminded audiences of the theatre’s long-standing dedication to the works of Ivo Tijardović and Jakov Gotovac, describing Hajduk as the only football club in the world with its own operetta.
He also pointed to strong public interest, revealing that all announced performances have already sold out.
Director Kristina Grubiša expressed her enthusiasm for working on the ambitious production, describing it as a creative challenge, particularly the task of translating the atmosphere of football, the crowd and the iconic Poljud spirit onto the theatre stage.
(Photo: Grad Split)
At the project’s presentation to the media, audiences were given a taste of what lies ahead through selected excerpts from the operetta. Performances included the Military Brass Band of the Croatian Armed Forces, Pere Eranović with To neni knedla, and Roko Radovan performing Nastup našeg tima.
The response suggested that Kraljica lopte is set to receive true sporting ovations when it premieres.
