Why do we stay in the province is the question that the multi-awarded Macedonian director Blagoj Micevski asks and offers answers in the play of the same name, which will premiere tomorrow in
m, at 20 p.m.
The play "Why we stay in the province" was based on the motifs of the play "Three Sisters" by the Russian writer Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, as well as the essay by the philosopher Martin Heidegger "Why we stay in the province".
"This question, which seems to be more relevant today than ever, we ask thinking about leaving or staying, choosing between the warmth and safety of the known and on the other hand, stepping out into the world with the intention of being part of something bigger. In fact, it's all in us, according to Chekhov, the reasons are not social at all, but existential," says director Micevski.
He says that even privately he was never interested in what life was like in the "big city" because there is none of that in our environment.
"Living and working all my life in the province, in Bitola, I was never interested in how it is to live and work somewhere in the 'big city', because there isn't and can't be here, but I still get annoyed when I think about it everything that could be done - but is not done, for reasons imposed by the province. That's why I worked the most on the idea of proving that a lot can be done from the province. And the Zetski dom theater has shown in the past few years that great directors can come to Cetinje, that plays are successful even when they are guests in the region or in Europe. I really appreciate this theater, which represents real theater, which is engaging and contemporary, which not only entertains the audience, but also opens up questions and gives young people the opportunity to work with big names. What is a small and a large play? What is a small and a big city? That is relative," Micevski pointed out.
The performance ensemble consists of: Ana Vujošević, Maša Labudović, Marija Đurić and Omar Bajramspahić. In the play, they dealt with the deconstruction of Chekhov's play, which was not treated as an integral text, but as a kind of experiment on a topic that is still relevant today, as well as the question of what the province essentially means.
In addition to Miroslav Mika Antic's lyrics, the play also uses author's texts by directors, playwrights and actors.
"How do you choose to leave safety, home and love? Lulled in comfort, from the province we observe the course of life, as much as the window is big and we fantasize about leaving, not strong enough to move, not satisfied enough to run away, too frightened by the unknown. Provincialism is a way of life. A way of life that is hard to give up", said Stella Mišković, who signed the dramatization and dramaturgy of the play.
Actress Ana Vujošević points out that the province is not a term related only to a small environment.
"This awareness and habits also exist in big cities and areas where it seems that this is not the case. I think people will find it close and interesting, playful, sad, and also educational. We tried to give some answers intimately and personally, which was an interesting part of the process - what is our life like, how do we perceive the province, does some conservative heritage play a role, what are the trivia that burdens us. Therein lies the answer. Even with Chekhov, you have re-examinations. The provincial could hardly find the strength to leave. A man who crosses paths with the province, he leaves," Vujošević said
The costumes for the play "Why are we staying in the province" were made by the director, the scenography is by Valentin Svetozarev, and the co-rehearsal is by Vjera Nikolić, who finds the play extremely interesting.
"We use composed music that is a commentary on the scene and atmosphere. Snow, Russia, loneliness, Tchaikovsky's longing composition fits wonderfully. All the actors play and sing which makes this process special. In some years, when you experience various ups and downs, if you haven't already left, then you look at what you need to change, and then you have to ask yourself - why didn't I leave here? It is debatable what a province is. We either carry the province inside us or we don't. It is not a matter of material things. And again, what can I do to make it better, more creative? It's a spiritual moment," said Nikolić.
The repercussion of the play in the repertoire is on March 3 and 4 in the Zetski dom.
And Montenegro is a province
The work of the young actors with the Macedonian director was, they said, very inspiring.
"We had an inspiring process during which we had to ask a question and give an answer. And why did I stay in the province? It's nice for me when I'm working, and there's also my family. I don't know why, I'm happy, that's why I still haven't left," said Maša Labudović.
Among other things, the director gave them the freedom to complete the roles they were playing.
"Blagoj had a vision leading a process in which we were free to offer our opinion, building roles in which we are comfortable. We will have a good show. People are afraid of the unknown, and in the provinces we follow the beaten paths of our ancestors. People who leave are brave. My position is that people lack work in our community. He ennobles. We would appreciate others more, it would be easier to break the fears that we abound. We are afraid of other people's opinions, and that fear can only be overcome by constant work in which we get to know ourselves," says Marija Đurić.
Omar Bajramspahić also pointed out that the play holds attention and corresponds with our time and space.
"We had very interesting work. We say the lines that are closest to this time. Blagoj has a great idea, and led by him, we are making a good show that will hold attention. This is a topic we understand. Montenegro is that - a province. Maybe we are driven by comfort, but we have everything here," said actor Omar Bajramspahić.
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