The only Croatian festival in English – Midsummer Scene – postponed until 2021

Romeo & Juliet 2019

This year’s edition of the Croatian Midsummer Scene Festival, which attracted a large number of fans of Shakespeare’s works last summer but also represented Croatia at numerous international festivals, will not go ahead as planned from June 18 – July 6, 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our Festival has always put the health and safety of our performers and audiences first and this year we had to reach a sad, but inevitable decision. Following the continued government restrictions in Croatia and the extension of London theatre closures, we are very sorry to announce that we must postpone our festival until 2021. 

Our performances at Neuss Shakespeare Festival and all other touring plans will not be happening this year either. Midsummer Scene Festival is grateful to the City of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Tourist Board and our sponsors. We also must generate a vast part of our income from ticket sales, and we rely heavily on international visitors to Dubrovnik. Travel restrictions have made it impossible for our multicultural audiences to meet our cast and creatives at Fort Lovrjenac this summer.

Although this decision has been unavoidable, our thoughts are very much with all those who were due to work with us this summer.

Our Festival is going dark this year, but let us assure you that will not sink in the dark and disappear. We share the fate of all theatres and wish them all strength to endure.  

Hamlet 2016

Until we meet again, dear friends, stay well and stay safe,” Midsummer Scene Festival organisers said in a statement. 

The Midsummer Scene Festival presented Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet tragedy for the first time last summer in Dubrovnik. Two-week performances and a rich accompanying cultural programme held at several locations, including the historic Lovrjenac Fort, the beautiful Stradun and the Rector’s Palace, were enjoyed by two thousand visitors from 30 countries.