A scene from Yerma (dir. Rajna Racz). Photograph: Dražen Šokčević
Sculpting the Stage: Announcing Paola Lugarić Benzia as August’s Artist of the Month
BRUSSELS / PULA – As August opens and we prepare to gather on the Istrian coast for our annual Pluartis Philosophy Symposium in Pula, we are delighted to unveil theatre scenographer Paola Lugarić Benzia as our Artist of the Month.
Born in Pula, where she completed the School of Applied Arts and Design before earning her Master’s degree at the Academy of Applied Arts in Rijeka, Lugarić Benzia brings a distinctly sculptural sensitivity to the contemporary stage. In her independent practice, she applies a sculptural approach to shaping large, monumental scenographic projects, continuously integrating spatial form with live production environments, architectural realities, and collaborative teamwork. Beyond traditional stage design, her personal artistic work explores environmental and spatial installations, investigating the dynamic relationship between sculpture and surrounding space.
From Mentorship to Major National Stages
Lugarić Benzia built the foundation of her professional career assisting renowned scenographers Stefano Katunar, Igor Vasiljev, Dalibor Laginja, and Ljerka Hribar across landmark institutions including HNK Ivana pl. Zajca in Rijeka, GDK Gavella, Kazalište Komedija, Kazalište Ulysses, and ZKM.
Since establishing her independent voice, she has authored and co-authored scenography for major theatre and opera houses across Croatia:
- Co-Design Highlights: The play Nevidljivi (Invisible) at GDK Gavella in Zagreb and the musical Sunset Boulevard (directed by Renata Carola Gatica) at HNK Ivana pl. Zajca Rijeka, co-signed with Dalibor Laginja.
- Opera & Drama Scenography: Lead set design credits for Purcell’s opera Didona i Eneja (Dido and Aeneas, HNK Rijeka, dir. Mirva Koivukangas), Puccini’s opera Gianni Schicchi (co-production HNK Rijeka and HNK Osijek, dir. Fabrizio Melano), Lorca’s play Yerma (HNK Rijeka, dir. Rajna Racz), Puccini’s opera La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West, HNK Rijeka, dir. Giorgio Surian), Verdi’s opera La Traviata, (HNK Osijek, dir. Hrvoje Korbar), Bellini’s opera Norma (HNK Zagreb, dir. Dora Ruždjak Podolski), and Gotovac’s opera Ero s onoga svijeta (Ero the Joker, HNK Split, dir. Hrvoje Korbar).
Her critical standing was further underscored in 2024 with a nomination for the Croatian Theatre Award for Best Set Design for Puccini’s opera La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West), directed by Giorgio Surian at HNK Ivana pl. Zajca. A member of HDLU since 2018, ULUPUH since 2022, and the Croatian Freelance Artists Association (HZSU) since 2023, she stands as one of the most compelling spatial voices in contemporary Croatian theatre.
What’s Next
Her exploration of scale, physical presence, and spatial narrative aligns naturally with the themes of identity and human environment we will be examining during our symposium in Pula later this month.
By mid-August, we will debut her full feature profile alongside a dedicated visual gallery showcasing photographs and documentation of her ambient installations and memorable stage designs.
Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we explore the intersection of sculpture, space, and performance with Paola Lugarić Benzia.