PROJECTS

Funky Snow White

Stage directing: Nikolina Do Dominković

Theatre Knap, Zagreb

The play „Funky Snow White“ brings a fresh and original approach to the classic fairy tale of Snow White. Under the direction and musical leadership of Nikolina Do, this well-known fairy tale takes on a completely new form - a children's musical with funky sounds. The story of Snow White is intertwined with rhythmic and entertaining funk music arrangements and newly written lyrics, giving the performance a unique atmosphere and energy.

In the performance by the Drama Group of Croatian Studies, this play becomes very entertaining and funny. Through cheerful songs, dance routines, and colorful characters, the audience enjoys a modern interpretation of this classic tale.

Ghosts 

Henrik Ibsen: Ghosts

Stage directing: Nikolina Do Dominković

Theatre Knap, Zagreb

Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright whose works marked European theater of the 19th century. Known for his deep psychological profiling of characters and subtle exploration of moral dilemmas, Ibsen emerged as a visionary of his time. „Ghosts“ is a drama that explores themes of guilt, family relationships, and inner struggles of individuals. The story unfolds in the home of the main character, Helene Alving, who confronts, in the presence of her son and a clergyman, her own past full of secrets.

Through the direction of Nikolina Do, the depth of Ibsen's text is conveyed in a way that brings the ghosts of the past to life and puts them on stage as physically real, terrifying, and invincible beings. The directorial approach emphasizes the psychological state of Mrs. Alving and allows the main character to physically experience her dilemmas, while simultaneously immersing the audience in her inner struggle.

Endgame 

Samuel Beckett: Endgame

Stage Directing: Nikolina Do Dominković

Theatre Knap, Zagreb

Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) was an Irish playwright, novelist and poet known for his work considered central to the absurd theatre movement. His works explore themes of existential crisis, the absurdity of life and communication barriers, often using a minimalist approach and recurring motifs.

Theatre of the absurd, in which Beckett excelled, is characterized by fragmented plots, illogical situations, and dialogues, often used as a means to depict the absurdity and meaninglessness of existence. „Endgame“ is one of his most famous works, dealing with themes of loneliness, despair and helplessness.

Nikolina's direction of the play „Endgame“ combines Beckett's minimalist approach with elements of Meyerhold's biomechanics to create a subtle yet dark theatrical experience. Biomechanics, as a theatrical technique, emphasizes specific physical performance, which can be associated with the inner state of characters in Beckett's works. The idea that the performance relies on shameless play with the edge of boredom and sudden twists reflects Beckett's philosophy of existentialism, emphasizing a sense of absurdity and lostness in the essence of human existence.

Medieval Confession 

- based on the text Historia Calamitatum by Peter Abelard

Stage directing: Nikolina Do Dominković  

Theatre Knap, Zagreb

In this original project, Nikolina Do dramatized parts of the work „Historia Calamitatum“ by Peter Abelard. This play is based on the love story between Peter Abelard, a medieval philosopher and Heloise, his student and lover. Their fate represents one of the most famous love stories of the Middle Ages. Peter Abelard was one of the most important intellectuals of the 12th century, known for his philosophical and theological works, but also for his turbulent love life.

Little Island of Mljet (MOM) 

Little Island of Mljet (MOM) is a children's theater festival launched by Nikolina Do in 2021 on the Croatian island of Mljet. This festival provides an opportunity for children, who do not have daily access to the theater, to experience the magic of art and expression through stage performances. Several days during the summer are dedicated to the island's community, during which participants engage in acting, puppetry, improvisation, and take part in workshops led by experienced professionals from the Croatian theater and music scene. At the end of the workshops, children perform original plays they have created themselves and receive special gifts as a memento of the festival.

The MOM festival has hosted numerous well-known names from the theater world, including Matilda Fatur, a puppeteer and jazz musician, Jasna Held, an actress and storyteller of folk tales and fairy tales, Mathi Lecoultre, a Swiss dancer, Lovro Ivanković, a Croatian actor specializing in improvisation, and Mario Kovač, a Croatian theater and film director and educator. Nikolina is the main producer of this festival, with the entire project being supported by the Municipality of Mljet. This festival brings joy and art into the lives of children on the island of Mljet, creating unforgettable experiences and fostering a love for theater and the arts.

Uncanny (Das Unheimliche)

Stage director: Nikolina Do Dominković

Composer: Nuno Santos

Costume designer: Giovanni Baraglia

Volkshaus Biel, Switzerland

Inspiration for this project came from the director's own dreams, aiming to create a play that would portray these dreams through the main character on stage. In creating this project, director Nikolina Do utilized the theory of dreams presented in the early 20th century by the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud (1856 - 1939). Her focus was on Freud's idea of the content from the unconscious mind manifesting itself in dreams in a symbolic manner.

Forever Yours

Stage directing/Acting/Singing: Nikolina Do Dominković

Piano: Marek Pavlíček

Mentors: Lukas Bangerter and Regine Schaub-Fritschi

Photos by: Ben Zurbriggen

Production: HKB Theatre, 2021.

Nikolina Do stands behind the authorial project „Forever Yours“, which brings a unique and inspiring story to the stage of HKB Theatre. This project originated as part of the Manifesto at the theatre studies in Bern, under the mentorship of Lukas Bangerter and Regine Schaub-Fritschi.

 „Forever Yours“ is more than just a play - it is a sincere declaration of love for the theatre. Through this intriguing project, Nikolina Do organizes her own wedding with the theatre. Immersed in her personal experiences of romantic disappointments, she realized that the theatre has always been with her, never betraying or leaving her. She decided to dedicate herself to that love and acknowledge it in a special way.

Sugar, Bread and Whip (Zucker, Brot und Peitsche)

Stage directing: Nikolina Do

Text: Leandra Reiser

Performers: Amélie Putain and Paula Meyer

Photos by: A. K. Janutin

Zürich, 2023

Nikolina Do Dominković directed the project „Zucker, Brot und Peitsche“ (Sugar, Bread and Whip), which brings an innovative fusion of drag queen show and opera. The concept represents a fusion of different artistic styles and genres, offering the audience a unique musical experience. Based on the original text by Leandra Reiser, this performance is performed by the renowned Swiss drag queen Amélie Putain and the opera singer, mezzo-soprano Paula Meyer. Their collaboration represents an attempt to merge seemingly incompatible elements of art, creating a new space for expression and interpretation.

„Zucker, Brot und Peitsche“ is not just a play, but a statement about the importance of understanding and collaboration among different artistic practices and identities. The project emphasizes the acceptance and value of each individual, regardless of their identity or background. „Zucker, Brot und Peitsche“ represents a movement for inclusion and acceptance, highlighting the power of art to connect people and open hearts and minds.

More information: https://www.amelieputain.ch/

This is Nikolina Do

Stage directing/Acting/Singing: Nikolina Do Dominković

Mentor: Lukas Bangerter

Video Materials: Sarah Hubentobler

Photos by: Ben Zurbriggen and Tom Gasser

Makeup by: Michelle Gyger

Production: HKB Theatre, 2023

Nikolina Dominković brings her original project titled „This is Nikolina Do“ to the stage of HKB Theatre, where she takes on the role of the globally renowned Nikolina Do. In this performance, Nikolina Do appears at a prestigious gala evening in Bern held in her honor, to present her recently published autobiography. Her book portrays her career from its inception to retirement, encompassing a plethora of significant musical and artistic achievements. It also delves into descriptions of Nikolina's personal encounters with world-famous personalities, as well as challenging situations she encountered throughout her career, such as her divorce from a Hollywood producer. The book recounts her experiences appearing on Oprah, winning an Oscar, acting in a Colombian telenovela, and launching her own line of perfumes, deodorants, and cosmetic products with the scent of the theater.

Through her alter ego, Nikolina Dominković interrogates the world of fame and celebrities, presenting a parody that exposes the stereotypes often associated with famous individuals. With spotlights directed towards her, the audience is prompted to contemplate the price paid by those living in this elusive kingdom of the famous.

A New Brain

Finn, J. Lapine: A New Brain

Stage directing: Nikolina Do

Production: Upstage Bern

Theater am Käfigturm, Bern

The musical „A New Brain“ is an incredible musical tale born from the collaboration between composer William Finn and lyricist James Lapine. Set in the world of Gordon Schwinn, a talented composer creating music for the popular children's television show dedicated to the cheerful frog Mr. Bungee. However, when Gordon unexpectedly finds himself in the hospital due to serious brain issues, the realization of his own illness prompts deep questions about life, death and the meaning of his creativity. This inner struggle becomes a pivotal point in his journey towards healing and inner peace, with art becoming an indispensable part of his healing process.

In collaboration with Upstage Bern, Nikolina Do brings this musical to the stage of the Käfigturm Theater in Bern, creating a concept that portrays the inner world of the main character. Through her approach, the audience on stage has the opportunity to delve into the funny, endearing, grotesque and layered world of cartoons in Gordon's mind, where even everyday situations he experiences in the hospital are shaped by the music. Through creative props and costumes, Nikolina Do creates a magical and surreal experience that raises questions about inspiration, creativity and art through the lens of Gordon Schwinn.