Srednja škola Zabok

ZABOK

October 21,2021 was a special day for Secondary School Zabok as all students, teachers and maintenance staff went on a field trip to Čakovec and Varaždin. The visit to the Croatian National Theatre Varaždin, where we were to watch ‘Matijaš Grabancijaš Dijak’ by Tituš Brezovački, was also on our itinerary. Due to the insufficient number of seats in the theatre, we had to split into two groups.

Everybody was very excited as this was the first trip we went on in the last two years. As you can guess, we all had high expectations. Buses were scheduled to depart at 9 a.m. but we needed to be at the bus station at 8:45 (just in case😊). However, almost everybody was there half an hour earlier. High-spirited students were just waiting for our headteacher to give us a sign to set off. Naturally, everybody was a bit worried. We couldn’t agree on what kind of music to listen to on the bus while teachers kept repeating the rules of behaviour which were to be observed.

When we got on the bus, we created a cheerful atmosphere and had a great time. We weren’t too pleased with all the road bends and the long ride because some of us got sick, but we were still grateful that we were all together outside our classrooms.  

ČAKOVEC

Čakovec, a small town in Međimurje County, has a lot to offer. You can admire beautiful nature, learn about architecture, and immerse yourself in history.  In Zrinski Park, we learnt about the history of the town and saw a statue in honour of Katarina Zrinski. One of the curiosities was a newly renovated squirrels’ home where students are allowed to take care of these funny animals.

Zrinski Castle, the symbol of the town built in Baroque style, is located within the park. It is also considered one of the largest and most significant Baroque monuments in Croatia. A magnificent tower stands there as a reminder of the great past. Our class took a picture in front of the Farewell monument.

After taking a stroll around the Castle, we headed towards the Franciscan Church and Monastery. The Franciscan Order was invited to Čakovec by Nikola Zrinski so the church was named after him. One of the most luxurious buildings in Čakovec is Commercial Casino. It was built in a Hungarian Secession style and was a place where wealthy citizens gathered.

CROATIAN NATIONAL THEATRE VARAŽDIN

When we arrived in Varaždin, we went to the Croatian National Theatre Varaždin where we watched ‘Matijaš Grabancijaš Dijak’ (written by Tituš Brezovački and directed by Krešimir Dolenčić).

Matijaš is played by young Dea Presečki from Krapina.

‘Matijaš Grabancijaš Dijak’ is one of the most intriguing texts of older Kajkavian drama. Even though it was written two centuries ago, the moral issues presented in the play are the same today.  

The play was somewhat difficult to understand because of old Kajkavian dialect. If you are not from Zagorje, there is a 98% chance you will barely understand anything.

All epidemiological measures were respected during the play which lasted for an hour and a half.

At the end, impressions were very different- from those who found it boring as they didn’t understand a word to those who enjoyed it. Personally, I find the play very interesting.  Sound effects were awesome, costumes were original and the actors were fantastic. I am super proud of young Dea Presečki who bravely took on the main male role and performed flawlessly.

VARAŽDIN

In the late afternoon, walking the streets of Varaždin seemed like a good idea. The city fortresses settled among the thick greenery tell the story of heroic past. It was interesting to observe the old town and imagine what life was like there in the 12th century. Unfortunately, we had to rush as it was time to go back to Zabok. We hope this was the first but not the last trip in this school year!

By: Lea Harapin, Ema Medvedec, Antonija Škreblin and Lana Šumiga (3.htt)