The INAT-theatre was born during the theatrical season 1984/85 as a result of an eager striving to establish the independent theatre scene in Pula. The protagonists of this “establishment” were the director Branko Sušac, a group of young, above mentioned people that were gathered around him, and then-secretary of the SAKUD. They named themselves The Theatre Section of the “Mate Balota” Guild of Art. From the very beginning this Theatre Section had nothing but trouble in dealing with authorities in their own town. The authorities were not able to (and not willing to) give them a few square metres for the rehearsals; there was no financial support that was supposed to cover the costs of the equipment; nor was there any help in covering the travel expenses of the group – and the group, what an irony, was constantly winning the possibilites to take part in many festivals because of the high quality of its performances. The Theatre Section of the “Mate Balota” Guild of Art, established thirteen years ago by Sušac and a group of ambitious enthusiasts changed very soon its name in INAT (spite). Very appropriate, indeed. Spite is essence and the key-word of the whole, thirteen-year-old history of this interesting group, one of the brightest stars on the Croatian alternative theatre sky. There are many names that deserve to be mentioned, but there is one actor whose name is almost a synonym for INAT: Šandor Slacki. Slacki is INAT’s first man, a touchstone, a real treasure, an actor every director would like to work with. Slacki is the leadin man, the source of energy in almost every project. His flawless acting imposes criteria which the others are supposed to follow – therefore, the acting of INAT-actors was and sitll is always a first rate one. Since 1990 Slacki is teaching to the newly enroled actors the acting techniques. Every member of INAT has to pass this preliminary school of pantomima. Only the best prepared ones are “given the permission” to perform in front of the audience. So, the INAT-theatre prepares its own actors, and the “pupils” have the very best teacher: Mr Slacki himself.
Dr. Inat Theater has treveled all around the world to participate in the festivals: 1999 Cunchon International Theatre Festival in South Corea, The 2nd in South Corea, The 2nd Yosu International Theater Festival in South Corea, 12th Mondial du Theatre Monaco; 2001. Scenicka Zatva – Martin – Slovaqia; FITBA 1999. Festival Internacional de Teatro de Baranquilla; 1998. International Theatre Festival, Caracas, Venezuela; festivals in Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Czech Republic, Canada, Latvia and Croatia.
Dr. INAT decided to start a festival of their own – the international alternative theatre festival – the review of the best alternative theatres in Croatia . Thanks to Branko Sušac and the INAT-theatre Pula is going to become the gathering place of the best achievements in Croatian alternative theatre.
Dubravka Lampalov, Theatre criticist of “Vijenac”
Awards and recognitions at home and abroad
2000. year
First prize for the best performance, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Award “Kazališno nebo”, 6. PUF, Pula, Croatia
2002. year
First prize for the play, costumes, scenery, Ruma, Serbia
2003. year
Best play festivals (Prix meilleure producion), Canada
Best performance – The “little piggy”, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Critics award for best play, Valka, Latvia
Coproductions
2000. – 2012. – International theater project ANNO DOMINI
2000. and 2003. – MAMAPAPA (an independent, non-profit art initiative for theater artists), Czech Republic
2001.- SCRAP – project, Sweden
2002. and 2004. – A pulpennah Weber – Delta / Production, Germany
2010. – International theater project ANNO DOMINI, visit to Israel (Teatr Orto-Da, Theatre Dr. Inat)
2012. – International theater project ANNO DOMINI, visit in Krakow (Teatr KTO, Theatre Dr. Inat)