C O M I N G S O O N
TRANSCENDENTAL NEO - OPERA
“There is a light and shimmering thread that encircles and unites us all.
In this fine and glittering web we’re standing forever bound.”
THE CIRCLE GOES ON FOREVER!
World premiere date to be announced.
Music: Dino Zonic
Libretto: Mustafa Tanovic, Dino Zonic, Rade Cikes-Medan, Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart), James Rounds
CIRCLE – The Transcendental Neo-Opera is a paradigm-shifting hybrid production that fuses musical theatre, rock opera, contemporary opera, electro-symphonic, and 3D projection mapping storytelling into a singular, immersive experience.
The concept behind CIRCLE is both timely and timeless: a work born from one of history's darkest moments that seeks to inspire hope, unity, and human connection. The themes that transcend language, culture, age, and geography.
CIRCLE is forged in a fractured world marked by conflict and collective uncertainty, and transforms drama into transcendence. The production unfolds as a powerful journey from chaos to connection—an exploration of human resilience and the enduring capacity for hope.
At its core, CIRCLE is both remembrance and revelation: a call for unity, a celebration of human dignity, and a timeless plea for peace.
Driven by an orchestral and electronic score, the experience interweaves operatic and rock-infused vocal performances that move seamlessly between intimacy and eruption. Classical instrumentation merges with contemporary electronic textures, creating a sonic architecture that feels both ancient and futuristic.
THE MESSAGE IS SIMPLE AND URGENT:
HUMANITY MUST CHOOSE CONNECTION OVER DIVISION, COMPASSION OVER CONFLICT, AND HOPE OVER FEAR.
CIRCLE STANDS AS A POWERFUL ARTISTIC DECLARATION
THAT PEACE IS NOT A DREAM OF THE FUTURE,
IT IS A CHOICE WE CAN MAKE TODAY.
This reimagining of the legendary CIRCLE - Musical elevates the original work into a contemporary multidimensional show.
Born from the pain, terror, and devastation of the Siege of Sarajevo, the original CIRCLE first emerged as an artistic response to one of the late 20th century’s darkest chapters.
Between 1995 and 2001, the original production captivated audiences in sold-out theatres and concert halls across Europe, ultimately reaching the Broadway stage in New York.
THE CONCEPT
CIRCLE is a transcendental journey from chaos to connection.
Through immersive music, imagery, and theatrical storytelling, audiences experience:
● Human resilience
● Transformation through adversity
● The power of compassion
● Collective empowering and healing
● Promote global unity
● The production merges ancient spiritual themes with contemporary artistic innovation.
CIRCLE is forged in a fractured world marked by conflict and collective uncertainty, and transforms drama into transcendence.
The production unfolds as a journey from chaos to connection—an exploration of human resilience and the enduring capacity for hope.
At its core, CIRCLE is both remembrance and revelation: a call for unity, a celebration of liberty, and a timeless plea for peace.
SHIMMERING THREAD
For love we do not please,
we merely take it and we give.
All these dreams might seem unreal,
in our circle we make dreams fulfill.
Oh, The rain that falls upon the town
beats to the rhythm of love.
There’s light and shimmering thread,
that encircles and unites us all.
In this fine and glittering web,
we are standing forever bound.
There’s light and shimmering thread,
that encircles and unites us all!
* * *
The audiences across the world are embracing large-scale immersive experiences:
● Experiential entertainment is rapidly expanding
● Musical theatre remains one of the strongest live entertainment sectors
● Audiences seek meaningful content with social impact
● Technology allows new forms of theatrical immersion
A Global Invitation to Humanity
CIRCLE – The Transcendental Neo-Opera is a movement.
At a time when division, conflict, and uncertainty dominate headlines, CIRCLE invites people of all ages, cultures, faiths, and nations to rediscover what unites us: our shared humanity.
The CIRCLE calls upon audiences, cultural institutions, producers, educators, artists, philanthropists, media organizations, and visionary partners worldwide to help bring this extraordinary work to the global stage. Through international touring, strategic partnerships, and broad public engagement, CIRCLE aims to inspire dialogue, foster understanding, and ignite hope across generations.
CIRCLE is not simply a revival of a successful opera/musical, but the transformation of a work born from the Siege of Sarajevo into a contemporary musical work that speaks directly to the challenges of the 21st century.
Journalists are encouraged to explore and highlight the remarkable journey behind CIRCLE—from its origins in the aftermath of the Siege of Sarajevo to its bold rebirth as a groundbreaking immersive neo-opera.
This story is not only about artistic innovation; it is about resilience, remembrance, reconciliation, and the transformative power of art to heal, unite, and inspire a world in need of common purpose.
PROVEN LEGACY
The original CIRCLE production achieved significant
international recognition. Performed between 1995–2001 across:
Austria, England, Scotland, Germany, Croatia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, and United States
‘Theatre an der Wien’ Vienna-Austria
City of London Festival-England
‘Irish Art Center’ Broadway, New York-USA
‘Vatroslav Lisinski’ Concert Hall, Zagreb-Croatia
‘Schuster Performing Arts Center’ Dayton-USA
‘Postohoff’ Linz, Austria
Concert Hall, Muenster, Germany
Concert Hall, Hildesheim, Germany
‘Stadt Hale’ Graz, Austria
Concert Hall ‘Posthoff’ Linz, Austria
‘St. Magnus’ Festival, Scotland
‘Woodwick House’ – Orkney, Scotland
Stadt Halle - Salzburg, Austria
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Split, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Rijeka, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Zadar, Croatia
'Istrian National Theatre’ Pula, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Varazdin, Croatia
BKC - Bosnian Cultural Center, Sarajevo, BiH
Among others.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The world is searching for stories that unite rather than divide.
In an era defined by conflict, polarization, and uncertainty, audiences increasingly seek meaningful cultural experiences that inspire connection, hope, and collective purpose.
CIRCLE answers this need through a spectacular theatrical event that transforms a story born from war into a universal message of peace.
UNIQUE POSITIONING
A New Genre:
"TRANSCENDENTAL NEO-OPERA"
Unlike traditional opera, musicals, or concerts, CIRCLE combines:
Traditional Opera/Rock Opera/Immersive Media/Neo-Opera
Previous version of
CIRCLE, performed from 1995-2001
Appeared in Broadway performances in 2001.
THE CIRCLE IS REMARKABLY UNIQUE!
Theatar an der Wien, Rudi Klausnitzer Director, Vienna - Austria
Born out of the pain, terror, and devastation of the Siege of Sarajevo, CIRCLE Musical, is a paradigm-shifting theatrical show, that emerges in a new, hybrid form.
CIRCLE transcends place and time through mesmerizing orchestral/electronic music and vocals. Circle is a fantasia of music, imagery, and intrigue.
CIRCLE portrays an epic tale of a group of its World-centric musicians on a perilous and victorious journey to fulfill a shared destiny, to spread a call for unity throughout the World.
From 1995 - 2001, CIRCLE Musical was performed in theaters and concert halls in Europe and the United States such as:
‘Theatre an der Wien’ Vienna-Austria
City of London Festival-England
‘Irish Art Center’ Broadway, New York-USA
‘Vatroslav Lisinski’ Concert Hall, Zagreb-Croatia
‘Schuster Performing Arts Center’ Dayton-USA
‘Postohoff’ Linz, Austria
Dayton Peace Accords – Dayton Peace Prize, USA
Michael Bashaw’s, Concert Auditorium Dayton, USA
Concert Hall, Muenster, Germany
Concert Hall, Hildesheim, Germany
‘Stadt Hale’ Graz, Austria
Concert Hall ‘Posthoff’ Linz, Austria
Concert Hall Salzburg, Austria
‘Hazelwood House’ South Devon, England
‘Spilsby’ Theatre – Linconshire, England
‘The Pit’ – Crondal, Farnham Surrey England
‘St. Magnus’ Festival, Scotland
‘Woodwick House’ – Orkney, Scotland
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Split, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Osijek, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Rijeka, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Zadar, Croatia
'Istrian National Theatre’ Pula, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Varazdin, Croatia
BKC - Bosnian Cultural Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
City of Tuzla Festival, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Among others.
CIRCLE has been recognized and claimed by his Holiness Pope John Paul II, his Holiness the Dalai Lama; the Presidential offices and Ministry of Cultures of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina; US Ambassador in United Nations – Richard Holbrooke; Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador to the UN – Mo Sacirbay; Austria UN Ambassador Dr. Gerhard Pfanzelter; the Dayton Peace Accords Bruce Hitchner, Chairman; UNHCR, Croatia Archbishop Franjo Cardinal Kuharic; Rudi Klausnitzer, Director "Theatre an der Wien"; Initiative against the War (Initiative Gegen den Krieg) – Muenster Germany; Causes Communes - Belgium; Through Heart to Peace, Dandelion Trust – London, Lifeline Network For Peace-Alexandra, among others.
* * *
Original Production Team and Cast:
Music: Dino Zonic
Libretto: Mustafa Tanovic, Dino Zonic, Rade Cikes-
Medan, Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart), James Rounds
Narrations: Mustafa Tanovic, Rade Cikes-Medan
Choreographer: Royston Maldoom
Ass. Choreographer: Irena Raduka, Sinisa Hapac
Costumes: Ljerka Zmaic
Set Design: Mustafa Forto
Ass. Set Design: Jelana Korencic
Light Design: Reno Raos, Josip Bencic, Zeljko Lale
Sound: Remo Cartagine
Make Up: Mirjana Tepsic, Zeljka Babic, Jadranka Petricek
Stage Manager: Leonila Grundler
Ass. Productions Cast: Goran Karan, Julija Zlopasa, Jelena Radan, Vladimir Nothig, Jadranka Krajina
Graphic Design: Studio ‘Trio’, Jelena Korencic
Photography: Walter
Ass. Organisation: Fahro Kulenovic, Kreso Petricek
Production Advisors: Josip Magdic, Sead Alic
Marketing Directors: Bariz Zonic, Jasna Frajtic-Zrnec
Public Relations: Astrid Musura-Kaucic
Theatrical Director: Dubravka Zrncic-Kulenovic
Co-Producer: Mustafa Tanovic, Rade Cikes-Medan
Producer: Edi Matic, Bariz Zonic, Royston Maldoom, Mark Fraze
Producer, Director: Dino Zonic
Cast:
1. Goran Karan, Lead Solo Vocal
2. Jelena Radan, Lead Solo Voca
3. Julija Zlopasa, Lead Solo Vocal
4. Ante Grossi, Lead Solo Vocal
5. Alan Belusic, Lead Solo Vocal
6. Ivana Husar, Lead Solo Vocal
7. Marija Husar, Lead Solo Vocal
8. Baucic Ervin, Lead Solo Vocal
9. Nermin Puskar, Solo Vocal
10. Mirza Tetaric, Solo Vocal
11. Vladimir Nöthig, Solo Vocal
12. Helena Bastic, Solo Vocal
13. Jana Nemecek, Solo Vocal
14. Ljubica Kelcec-Suhovec, Solo Vocal
15. Sanja Didovic, Solo Vocal
16. Jadranka Krajina, Solo Vocal
17. Julie Harrity-Pauley, Solo Vocal
18. Franciska Gluhak, Solo Vocal
19. Darija Saltagic, Ensemble
20. Mirjana Foretic, Ensemble
21. Suzana Derk, Ensemble
22. Alan Gabor, Ensemble
23. Igor Hapac, Ensemble
24. Sinisa Hapac, Ensemble
25. Irena Raduka, Ensemble
26. Gorana Cehic, Ensemble
27. Karlo Starcevic, Ensemble
28. Mirsada Dizdarevic, Ensemble
29. Drago Lokas, Ensemble
30. Irena Malbasa, Ensemble
31. Ana Hanic, Ensemble
32. Marijana Delic, Ensemble
33. Amela Priganica, Ensemble
34. Haris Osmic, Ensemble
35. Natasa Petrovic, Ensemble
36. Manuela Bolta, Ensemble
37. Marko Pletikosa, Ensemble
38. Marina Matolic, Ensemble
39. Doris Dundovic, Ensemble
40. Neven Palacek, Ensemble
41. Goran Vasovic, Ensemble
42. Miki Trifunov, Actor/Prophet
43. Tarik Filipovic, Actor/Prophet