The Trial

The Trial is one of those books that never cease to intrigue either readers as food for thought or directors as a story on which to base their film or play. Kafka's most famous novel features a simple, straightforward storyline and, simultaneously, inexhaustible layers of meaning, an extraordinary, anxious atmosphere, and emotional and intellectual mystery. The all-powerful, oppressive bureaucratic apparatus that devours humanity and Josef K., “probably the most famous initial of world literature”, are the symbols of the inhumanity of every system of power and authority, and of the confusion, helplessness and fear of an individual driven into a corner. Josef K. in this sense eludes the definitions of both the hero and the antihero; he is active inasmuch as he does defend himself, although he is not sure from whom or from what; his freedom has been abolished and his pride destroyed, to the extent that eventually "the shame within him gets stronger than death." Directed by Rene Medvesek, The Trial is as a story that does not remain (only) symbolic, but probes into our contemporary unrests and tensions...

‘’It is crucial both for the director and our society to enter this dimension of unstoppable catastrophe envisioned in Kafka’s ‘’Trial’’, bearing in mind that it is balanced here by the permanent theatricality and the ridicule of the Court. (...) All of the roles are carefully portrayed, with precision and control. (...) Nikola Baće (Joseph K.) is never over the top in his role as the accidental, emphatically anonymous victim. On the contrary, Baće builds a character free from generalization and caricature, sensitive to each nuance of speech and thought. (...) Medvešek’s play opens a window to the other side of powerlessness, more precisely, to the ethical necessity of forgiveness as opposed to ‘’relentless’’ persecution.’’ (Nataša Govedić, Novi list)

‘’Rene Medvešek constructed a hauntingly estranged world of bizarre characters which offers many interpretations, from ideological to religious totalitarian regimes of the 21st century which destroy humanity today, as they did in Kafka’s time (...) Nikola Baće is a new revelation and we can expect great roles from him. His acting is convincing and natural. One can say he effortlessly holds the ensemble together and carries the play. (...) ‘’The Trial’’ is a play about our time. However, it does not answer questions but raises them...’’ (Nina Ožegović, T-portal)

‘’Twelve actresses and actors are portraying twice as many characters. First and foremost, one should note the touching, convincing return to the stage by Ankica Dobrić, who portrays the Butler’s wife, who is somewhat crazy, sexual and lucid. Hrvoje Klobučar also stepped out of his comfort zone in his role of Block, the unfortunate man who has been on trial for five years. Fear, humility, loss of identity, everything is portrayed by Klobučar straightforwardly and with energy.’’ (Tomislav Čadež, Jutarnji list)

‘’Music by Zoran Šćekić is a truly Kafkaesque element in this play, filled with painful uncertainty.’’ (Bojana Radović, Večernji list)