Balkan dreams about Europe and European myths about the Balkans

Rehearsals for the new play "Colonel Bird", which is intended for the Evening Stage of the City Theater in Podgorica, began yesterday. It is one of the most performed contemporary dramas in the world, from the pen of the distinguished Bulgarian writer Hristo Bojchev, and it is staged by Marko Manojlović, who also directed "Liars" at the City Theater, a hit play that has been playing for 11 years with great interest from the audience. .

Hristo Bojčev's satirical play critically deals with the problem of relations between Europe and the Balkans or, more precisely, Balkan dreams about Europe and European myths about the Balkans, and is expected to premiere in front of Podgorica audiences in the second half of January..

"'Colonel of the Birds' is a story about a group of madmen, imprisoned somewhere in the backwaters of the Balkans. This isolation is only apparent, because the world, civilization, or whatever you want to call what is trying to 'self-heal' by building walls, and how they are present in that small space where the heroes of this drama live. A group of patients in an abandoned monastery, in an asylum for the mentally ill, tries to find a cure, and led by a self-proclaimed colonel, sets up a military unit, giving not only political and social goals, but also a purpose to their own lives. Their madness, their illness, in fact, is the most obvious sign of immersion in the time and space that surrounds them", the announcement of the City Theater on the occasion of the new play states.

The artistic director of Gradski Dušan Kovačević included the work of the famous Bulgarian playwright in the repertoire of the Evening Scene because, as he said, he estimated that it was a good moment for this text to come to life in front of the local audience.

"The story carries a strong commitment, it talks about the hope of those people, who are only apparently crazy, but in fact they are very virtuous and strongly believe in a better life. In the end, that faith gets them what they want. They become free and happy. Whether it is imagination or reality, you will see", said Kovačević and left the audience to discover the essence of the play for themselves.

Kovačević also pointed out that Marko Manojlović, in addition to "Liars", which is one of the longest-running plays in Gradski, has an enviable oeuvre behind him, both in the theater and on film, and that he earned the attention and trust of the theater management to stage the play Christ for a reason. Bojčeva. "'Colonel Bird' belongs to Manojlović's directorial sensibility, and with such a good cast, I think we can make a great show," said Kovačević. The roles were entrusted to: Emir Ćatović, Branimir Popović, Jelena Simić, Miloš Pejović, Goran Vujović, Goran Slavić and Branka Femić-Šćekić.

Director Manojlović will also sign the choice of music, dramaturgy by Dragana Tripković, while scenography will be the work of Vesna Popović, and costumes by Adrijana Pajić. Damjan Kecojević is in charge of stage movement.

Accepted with pleasure the new cooperation with the City Theatre

Director Marko Manojlović noted that the cooperation with the City Theater and the process of staging "Liars" 11 years ago remained in his fond memories. He added that he is excited about the new project.

"I'm sorry that various obligations and life circumstances made it so long before a new collaboration took place, that's why I've accepted to direct here again with great pleasure. I am excited. Since lately I have been more focused on film and television, working in the theater brings me greater, of course positive, stage fright. "The theater is the closest to my heart, that's why I have high expectations when it comes to this project," said Manojllović.

He also pointed out that he doesn't want to reveal much about the play... "I wouldn't like to reveal too much about the new play, so I'll just say that I've been wanting to do an ensemble play for a long time." And with a strong ensemble," said the director.