The historical spectacle that can only be experienced in the authentic surroundings of Klis Fortress is before us. The historical re-enactment event "Uskok Battle for Klis" brings Klis back to the 16th century, to the time of Petar Kružić, captain and knez of Klis, and the fight against the Ottomans. Numerous historical units, knight groups, performers and exhibitors will depict medieval life in the age of Uskoks.
The Uskok Battle revives medieval and renaissance history with various cultural, musical, entertaining and scenically performances – medieval archery and swordplay, fire juggling, archaic folk songs with sounds of bagpipes, tambourines, drums and fiddles, military camps depicting life in the Middle Ages, a fair of old trades and crafts, original dishes and drinks, authentic handicrafts, autochthonous souvenirs and other Mediterranean products.
On Friday, 24th of July, the event opens with ambient theatre performance "Uskočka svijeća". At Mejdan Square, for the first time, visitors will be able to see a re-enactment of the famous megdan (duel) from 1527 between Uskok Miloš Parižević and Ottoman Bakota the Mighty. The show brings to life the story of the Uskok hero who, in turbulent times, tries to win the hand of his beloved, fighting for freedom and the preservation of his home. He pours his hope for happier future, faith in victory and strength into a hallowed candle devoted to the Virgin Mary as he is ready to face the giant Bakota.
Ambient theatre performance is a theatrical form in which the play does not take place on a traditional stage, but in authentic locations that, with their spatial, historical and symbolic features, become an integral part of the performance. It is not just a "moving of theatre from the hall to the open air", but the integration of dramatic text, acting and space into a unique theatrical experience. The space itself has the function of a dramaturgical element: it does not serve merely as a backdrop, but as a living witness to time, events and stories that come to life before the eyes of the audience.
On Saturday, 25th of July, the central event is re-enactment of the historical battle between Klis defenders Uskoks and Ottomans from 1532. At a time when Renaissance was blossoming in Western Europe and at the same time the fear of powerful Ottoman army was growing, Klis and its defenders Uskoks were the first line of defence and bled for benefit of the whole Europe. The battle from this heroic period of Klis history is depicted by trained and skilled members of historical units and knight groups from various parts of Croatia and Europe. Re-enactment of the siege, assaults, defending, negotiation, conquest, raiding, individual and collective battles with swords, spears, maces, war-hammers, heavy fire from cannons and firelocks, you can experience all of this in magical ambiance of Klis Fortress.
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, 24 July 21:00 – ambient theatre performance "Uskočka svijeća"
SATURDAY, 25 July 19:00 – daytime programme by historical re-enactment groups 20:00 – parade of historical re-enactment units 21:00 – historical battle re-enactment at Klis Fortress 22:30 – evening programme by historical re-enactment groups / fire show
The entire programme, except for the historical battle re-enactment at Klis Fortress, is free of charge.
Buy tickets for the historical battle re-enactment online now or at the information desk at the foot of Klis Fortress from 7 p.m. on Saturday, 25 July.
The ticket price is €7. Children under the age of 11 receive free admission when accompanied by a parent.
Uskok Battle for Klis - photo gallery
