BOKfest! – BJELOVARSKI ODJECI KAZALIŠTA
(" BJELOVAR THEATRE ECHO ")

This manifestation shortly named BOK-fest is theatre festival that lasts for two weeks and presents the best theatrical shows in Croatia. It is the only festival that combines theatrical performances for children and adults.
According to words of Bjelovar citizen Goran Navojec, BOK FEST director and one of the most popular young Croatian actors, the attention to organize theatrical festival in his birthplace was realistic, and its purpose is culture decentralization.

The first BOK fest was held in 2003 when about ten shows were presented from the repertory of Zagreb theatres Gavella, Kerempuh, Komedija, Puppet theatre and National theatre from Split. BOK fest began with play "Slučaj Hamlet" ("Hamlet case") from Gavella theatre. The plays were taking place in several different locations. Except in House of culture they were held in Bjelovar theatre, Gorica cinema and the most interesting place – the old "Koestlin" plant.
Special treat in the end was the play "Budala za večeru" ("A fool for supper") of Czech author Nobel Prize-winner Jiri Menzel who was the special guest at BOK fest closing ceremony.

Second BOK fest started with a spectacl long before the opening. A month before festival beginning the tickets were solemnly put on sale. First tickets were sold by Croatian actors Goran Grgić, Vedran Mlikota and Goran Navojec. The first buyer got a free ticket for play "Plava soba" ("Blue room") which was sold out the very same day. Most of the plays were sold out long before festival opening.

Second BOK fest was opened with a musical "Mali dućan strave" ("Little shop of horror"). Capacity audience showed that BOK fest was well attended and that Bjelovar citizens enjoyed this cultural event.
The same day in the late hours Bjelovar had a special guest. It was Goran Višnjić who just flew from Los Angeles a few hours ago. The next day with his friends Croatian actors he opened an exhibition of their colleague actor and a painter, deceased Darko Ćurdo.

On second BOK fest 22 plays were presented on different locations. Thereof 13 plays for adults, 4 for children and 5 plays for schools. More than 100 actors, directors and producers participated. Festival lasted for 17 days. Besides plays there were three theatrical workshops where 20 adults and 38 children aged 10 to 18 years took part.

Special event was humanitarian hand-ball tournament. 52 participators were divided into teams of actors, politicians, 1972 European championship winners and young hand-ball players. 1.500 visitors were watching the tournament that collected 10.000 kunas for humanitarian purpose. After the tournament Cro Cop Mirko Filipović joined the participators.

On second BOK fest 300 people took part and 4.000 visitors watched the plays. Second BOK fest was covered by all significant medias.
Faithful theatre audience which is growing thanks to BOK fest recognized the quality of this year's festival. Proof to that are many sold out plays.
Already third year after foundation BOK fest takes high position among similar theater festivals in Croatia. That is evident in number and quality of chosen plays for third BOK fest which became international this year.

In 15 days of this year's festival 15 plays were performed, 10 for adults and 5 for children. Due to great interest some plays occured several times. Unavoidable humanitarian hand-ball tournament took place again as well as theatrical workshops for those who wanted to learn more. On opening night the audience injoyed last year's most spectacular and awarded play – musical "Chicago".