Kette opera musical
As part of the Kette and Cankar Year celebrations, the Ilirska Bistrica Tourist Information Centre (TIC Ilirska Bistrica) and the Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica warmly invite you to the Kette Opera Musical, produced by the Novo Mesto Institute: Janez Trdina Cultural Centre.
The Kette Opera Musical is an extensive musical theatre production that places the poet Dragotin Kette (1876–1899) at its centre, with particular emphasis on his connection to Novo Mesto. In addition to tracing the poet’s short yet intense life, the production also tells an emotional love story that runs like a thread throughout the entire work, adding to its dramatic tension.
Although the poet Kette, as the central figure, represents a tragic story, he also radiates a great love of life and a strong desire to create. This is also the most powerful message conveyed by the libretto and the music.
The production takes the audience on a journey from Kette’s high-school years in Ljubljana, marked by youthful mischief, playfulness and an astonishingly mature struggle for Slovenian identity, through his relationship with his uncle, his conflict with Bishop Missia and the teaching staff, and ultimately to his arrival in Novo Mesto. In the musical, Novo Mesto shines as an optimistic and radiant place, closely connected with Kette’s great love for Angela.
This part highlights his poetry inspired by the Krka River, Novo Mesto’s Main Square and the Chapter House, while also depicting the events that lead to the poet’s departure for military service. In the second act, we witness the beginning of Kette’s illness during his military service, as his world gradually becomes less bright. Memories resurface, and at the moment of renewed hope, Kette bids farewell. At the conclusion of the musical, the protagonist conveys profoundly positive thoughts through the libretto and music, leaving a lasting impression on the audience’s subconscious.
The opera musical is suitable for students from the seventh grade onwards.
The performance lasts 2 hours and includes an intermission.
The co-financer of the event is the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia.
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Ticket price: 12,00 €
Ticket sales: TIC Ilirska Bistrica, from the 3rd 9. 2026 onwards
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For more information about the opera musical, please visit:
