Between Words, the Stage, and the Lens - The Story of Lorena Ilić

This story is based on her own written reflections, memories, and experiences, which have been adapted and presented in the third person.

Lorena Ilić finds her creativity in different forms of expression – language, literature, theatre, writing, and photography.

She began learning German in the first grade of primary school, and her love for the language only grew stronger over the years. It was precisely this interest that inspired her to complete a degree in German Language and Literature at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek. Her studies gave her the opportunity not only to deepen her knowledge of the language, but also to broaden her understanding of literature, history, philosophy, psychology, and other fields. She especially remembers the course “20th-Century German Poetry” and a seminar paper she wrote about a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, for which she was praised and received an excellent grade.

Another important part of her growing up was theatre. At the age of 14, she joined the drama studio of the Branko Mihaljević Children’s Theatre in Osijek, which she attended for five years. One particularly meaningful experience was performing her own monologue about respecting and accepting differences, through which she wanted to share the message that our differences do not make us less worthy. The emotional reaction of the audience showed her just how powerful a message art can convey.

At the same time, she also began writing. What started as short messages filled with metaphors gradually developed into a love for poetry, rhymes, and personal texts. She finds inspiration in everyday motifs to which she gives deeper meaning – for her, the sun can represent happiness and peace, waves can symbolize strength and courage, while a ship reaching the shore can represent the achievement of a life goal. She also writes in German, bringing together two of her greatest passions.

Over time, she discovered another form of creative expression through photography. She started by photographing places that caught her attention, and she became especially fascinated by the sea and sunsets. Today, through her lens, she captures nature, architecture, animals, food, interiors, and cities. Photography gives her the freedom to observe everyday scenes from a different perspective and to tell a story through them without words.

Although her interests may seem different at first glance, they are connected by the same thread – a desire to create and express herself. Whether through the German language, written verses, the theatre stage, or photography, Lorena finds her own way to transform emotions, ideas, and moments into stories.

In the end, Lorena would like to leave others with a simple but powerful message: “Dare to be a winner.”

Lorena would also like to share with you three of her photographs.

Lorena would also like to share three of her written pieces with you: the first is a universal birthday greeting, the second is a poem, and the third is a universal reflection on life.

Da zjenica njezinog oka čari života gledati uči;

da ima snagu koja u borbama hrabrost luči.

Da pozitivom i radošću svoje srce hrani,

da ispravne životne puteve od loših brani.

Da zdravlje je za nju uvijek tu,

i da osjeti ljubav svijeta svu.

Iako još puno toga za reći bi bilo,

bliži se kraj jer se u njemu ono najbolje skrilo: ovo sve osobi zborim 

koju najviše na svijetu volim;

sve moje želje njoj za rođendan na papir stati neće,

ali moje srce ih čuva prepuno sreće;

Još da i ovo velim:sretan rođendan joj želim!

Ein besonderes Gefühl ist eine schöne Natur sehen

und auf ihrem Weg gehen.

Am Ufer fühlen den Duft von Meer

und einatmen den Meersalz-

das ist angenehm sehr.

Dabei hören den Klang der Wellen,

das ist das echte Reichtum für Seelen.

Alle diese Schönheiten der Natur zu lieben,

schenkt Glückseligkeit und Frieden.

Prijevod: 

Poseban je osjećaj gledati prekrasnu prirodu i koračati njezinim stazama.

Na obali osjećati miris mora i udisati morsku sol – to je tako ugodno.

Pritom slušati zvuk valova – to je pravo bogatstvo za dušu.

Voljeti sve te ljepote prirode daruje blaženstvo i mir.

Tajna je kao nezacijeljena rana: što ju više produbljujemo u sebi, teže će isplivati na površinu.

If you’re interested in following Lorena’s journey, you can connect with her on social media.