As a citizen of Tivat and someone who has been professionally studying and protecting the historical architecture and history of Tivat and the entire Boka for more than two decades, I feel a moral obligation to react to the latest events related to the removal of the small scene from the Buća-Luković summer house.
Passions were stirred up, various opinions were heard, many facts were presented, both true and false. After the press conference on January 13, we were all surprised by the performance of the Tivat Municipality and the Tivat Museum and Gallery, but we are not reassured, because there were not enough convincing and reasonable arguments for the removal of the small stage. In particular, what is planned further for this area remains undefined.
Is the stage construction in poor condition and unsafe for visitors? It is and it needs to be repaired and improved. Was the management of this space inadequate? It is and needs to be fixed. But is there a better purpose for this space than the art scene? I think it doesn't exist.
After this conference, it is unequivocal that the Municipality of Tivat intends to permanently remove the scene from the yard of the summer house. The question that arises is what will happen to the festival of Purgatory after the removal of the small scene? Will the removal of the stage change the character of the Purgatorija festival?
I feel that removing the scene and moving Purgatory out of this space would mean just that - a loss of character, and perhaps even shutting Purgatory down shortly thereafter.
The small scene is one of the most beautiful scenes that many of us have ever seen, although such scenes can be found in almost all historic cities in the Mediterranean and in Europe. This is an intimate microcosm where everything is experienced in a special way. In this space, we watched countless performances and concerts of the highest artistic scope. The purgatories in the summer house Buća-Luković represent the institution of this city and are our contribution to culture. Losing the small scene and Purgatory in the face of the candidacy for the Capital of Culture in 2028 would be a big step back in the series of setbacks that our culture has been experiencing for years. To lose Purgatory would be to lose one of the few remaining beacons of culture in the sea of scumbags and dilettantism served up as cultural tourism.
The medieval tower, stone walls and the church of St. Mihovila represent the perfect environment and scenography for art of all media. Since the stage is only used 2-3 months a year, there are ways to keep the indoor space of the summerhouse functional throughout the year. There are ways. Everything is possible, when you want, if there is good will. The municipality of Tivat, unfortunately, did not show good will in this case.
We are aware that nothing happens in our country without a political background, but this attitude has nothing to do with any political party, interest group or project. That is why, as a citizen of Tivat, what is happening and what is being said hurts me. I am sure that most of the people who are protesting these days have the same sincere sentiment and admiration for the space, the facilities and the summer house scene as I do.
I would like to mention that in the sea of different opinions and discussions, I was impressed by the letter of CNP director Marko Baćović who said that "with good coordination, we would find ways to satisfy both museum and theater activities". This shows that there are other people who think there are ways. There are many ways between the current state and permanent removal. Therefore, I support the method of dialogue, not the method of force and unprofessional arguments that justify a predefined goal.
I am in favor of keeping the small scene where it is now, because I believe that there is enough space for its modus operandi to be arranged in a better, domestic way.
I stand for the culture of dialogue and the right of the citizens of Tivat and Boka to culture and art, because in the conservation doctrine, the needs of citizens and users are equally important as concrete conservation measures.
I suggest that the Municipality of Tivat once again reconsider its position on the permanent removal of the small stage, show good will and invite all relevant parties to find the best solution in the spirit of open and constructive dialogue. I also hope that all relevant institutions will respond to the call of the President of the Municipality and contribute to the solution of this problem for the benefit of our city, citizens and culture in Montenegro.
The author is a conservation consultant
Bonus video: