IL TROVATORE

FASCINATING SUGGESTIVENESS 
(...) Reduced stage movement enables the interpreters to give their best in the vocal plan. This can be seen especially in characters who are not in the first plan: superb Ferrando (Bratislav Jatić), Ines interpreted by Olivera Dukić, who is ready for more complex roles, as well as Ruiz (Aleksandar Dojković). The grand scenes seem most complicated, because under the leadership of Dejan Savić, the choir and the orchestra do not only serve as support to characters in the plot about the troubadour, instead they represent the basic line. (...) Costumes designed by Ljiljana Radonjić Orlić are simplified, not excessively adorned, they clearly define characters, their status, temperament. The set design (by Aleksandar Zlatović) was arranged in the same manner; in coordination with straightforwardness of stage directing, it was done with massive stone-like blocks and revolving circular stage. The fascinating suggestiveness, the voice that overflows the hall, belongs to Jelena Vlahović. The superb actress interprets the multi-layer character of Azucena (…) With her rich deep register and profoundly high voice, as well as with her impressive figure, Jelena Vlahović is a pillar to the new production of The Troubadour.

 Marija Ćirić, The Politika, Belgrade, 2^nd December 2002

(...) Jelena Vlahović was brilliant in the role of the Gypsy woman Azucena, with her wonderfully dark coloured voluminous voice, superbly expressive in all registers (…) Dušan Plazinić as Manrico interpreted this character much more successfully than his previous roles. (…)

Gordana Krajačić, The Blic, Belgrade, 26^th November 2001

INTRIGUING PLOT ABOUT LOVE, HATE AND REVENGE
(...) While listening to the Orchestra of the National Theatre’s Opera that sounded better than ever, under marvellous leadership of Maestro Dejan Savić, we could see that a lot of effort was invested the preparations of Verdi’s opera The Troubadour. The Choir was on the same level almost all the time.

Donata Premeru, The Borba, Belgrade, 28^th November 2001