Concert by the "Mijat Mašković" cultural and artistic ensemble in a new setting: 15 years of field research come to life on stage

Through dance, song, and authentic stage performances, members of the Kolašin Cultural and Artistic Society (KUD) "Mijat Mašković" presented the fruits of fifteen years of dedicated research work in the field to the audience at their annual concert.

The concert was held at the Sports Hall in Lug, which is the first time in the 83 years of the Society's existence that they have performed in such an environment.

The program was divided into two thematic parts. The first part was dedicated to the intangible cultural heritage "Traditional Games of the Kolašin Region", which represents one of the most significant segments of local and national cultural heritage.

The youngest groups performed certain Montenegrin dances exclusively with singing and rhythmic steps, after which the first performing ensemble presented similar versions of the same dances, recorded during more than 15 years of field work. In this way, as explained by the Cultural and Artistic Association, they showed the audience the process of transmitting and preserving cultural heritage.

In the second part of the evening, the audience had the opportunity to see original choreographies inspired by the Balkans. The program was completed by the Women's Singing Group "Đude", the men's singing group of the KUD, which performed a humorous song from the Kolašin region, as well as the mixed singing group and soloist Danica Dana Šćepanović.

Members of all generations performed together on stage, from beginners just entering the world of folklore to experienced performers who have been representing the KUD at numerous performances and festivals for years.

"This concert once again confirmed the important role of the 'Mijat Mašković' cultural and artistic community in presenting the cultural identity of Kolašin and Montenegro, but also its ability to present tradition in an authentic, modern and attractive way, adapted to large stage spaces and a large audience. It was technically challenging to provide sound and equip a large space, so we hope that next year, with the experience gained, we will be even more attractive. This is just the beginning," said Davor Sedlarević, the manager of the 'Mijat Mašković' cultural and artistic community.

He particularly highlighted the contribution of his assistants and associates Danica Dana Šćepanović and Jovan Miladinović.

According to the director of the Kolašin Cultural Center, Branislav Jeknić, due to the great interest of the audience, the annual concert has been repeated two nights in a row for years, which represented a great effort for the ensemble members, especially when it comes to preparing costumes and accompanying organization.

As he explains, by organizing a concert in the Sports Hall, they are trying to establish new habits, both among the members of the cultural association and among the audience.

"Thanks to the research work and what the members of the KUD present on stage, Kolašin is the unofficial ethno-capital of Montenegro," said Jeknić.

The organizers expressed their gratitude to the students and employed members of the ensemble who do not currently live in Kolašin, professional associates, parents, friends of the KUD, sponsors, institutions and individuals who contributed to the realization of the concert, as well as to the audience who supported another evening dedicated to tradition, culture and togetherness with their presence.