Published · 18 June 2026
Premiere of Pokondirena tikva at the Serbian National Theatre
Jovana Filipović Ćalić performed the role of Sara in both performances, marking her solo debut on the opera stage of the Serbian National Theatre.
In June 2026, a new production of Mihovil Logar’s comic opera Pokondirena tikva, based on the celebrated comedy by Jovan Sterija Popović, premiered on the Chamber Stage of the Serbian National Theatre in Novi Sad.
The production brought together members of the Vojislav Soldatović Opera Studio and soloists of the Serbian National Theatre Opera. It was directed by Ivan Klemenc and conducted by Jelica Čukarić. The premiere took place on 15 June, followed by a second performance on 17 June 2026.
Jovana Filipović Ćalić performed the role of Sara in both performances, marking her solo debut on the opera stage of the Serbian National Theatre. As part of the production’s directorial concept, the character of Sara was shared on stage by Jovana and Adriana Spasojević. Both performances were warmly received and took place in an excellent atmosphere.
The new production combined Logar’s witty score with dynamic stage movement and a contemporary directorial approach, highlighting the opera’s comic character and creating an immediate connection between the performers and the audience.
In his review of the production, music critic Mirko Jeremić singled out the portrayal of Sara for particular praise:
“They masterfully fulfilled their comic roles, creating memorable portrayals of cunning and somewhat self-interested companions…”
The review also notes that Sara and several other characters successfully maintained the production’s strong comic energy, supported by both the directorial concept and the performers’ interpretations.