A dynamic and energetic adventure based on the fusion of history and fiction, a story of freedom, courage and love, the play "Dulsine and Cervantes" was premiered on Monday evening on the long-term tenant stage of the Podgorica City Theater, in the Cultural and Information Center (KIC) "Budo Tomović ".
The closely watched action in the auditorium and the audience that did not refrain from showing reactions, either through laughter, deep silence, applause, sighs, shouts or applause, confirm an excellent dramatic text. Dragan Tripković, directing Snezana Trišić, the performance of the actors, but also the well-done task of the entire team.
The play has several lines of dramatic action, and is based on the story of slavery Miguel de Cervantes in Dolcinium, today's Ulcinj, while the main character is still reserved for a princess, but not just any princess, but the princess of waves and sea currents, the pirate Dulcinea, the daughter of the ruler of the city...
"It was important to us that through the story of the Ulcinj pirates and their meeting with Cervantes, we actually talk about us today, where we are, what our problems are and what we are fighting against, whether they are wars, conquests, greed, getting rich or are they some fine and delicate things, emotions, recognition of different worlds that we can meet and enrich each other and together with them, rather than opposing them. Our story is a combination of fact and fiction, and that fiction gave us a lot of space to dream up a story that will be rich and reveal the layers of our mutual relationships and the problems of the world we live in," said Trišić after the premiere.
For those who know more about the story itself, the show will be a successful balance between legends, history and fiction, for those who don't know much it will bring it all closer and awaken curiosity, while it will undoubtedly provide the youngest with an educational and dynamic adventure that will hold their attention.
"An old legend gets a new outfit - witty, unpredictable and completely enchanting," Tripković summed up in the text that accompanies the play's catalog. After the premiere, she said that she was particularly pleased with the reaction of the audience, the approach of the City Theater and the entire ensemble, but also the fact that the story itself, local, but actually universal, was presented.
The director pointed out that the historical context and "some possible truths about Cervantes' stay in Ulcinj" were actually just the reason for creating an unusual story about love, courage and heroism. In addition, "Dulcinea and Cervantes" is also a story about freedom, freedom of spirit, about authenticity, nobility, love, art, desire and courage, and there are also some serious and complex themes such as power, dictatorship, greed, internal struggles , selfishness... All of that is imbued with humor and emotions, which makes the play accessible and interesting for audiences of all ages.
With a changing rhythm, the overall dynamics are right for a branching story that irresistibly reminds of films for children and young people, which is especially contributed by the musical segments. It is precisely the music and songs written by Tripković that "break up" the telling of the story and contribute to uncertainty, which arouses interest and keeps the focus especially among the younger audience. Romance has also found its place, necessary for the beauty and warmth of a piece like this.
The atmosphere is also created by various effects, from visual, scenic, to sound, while colorful costumes and a variety of characters additionally occupy the interest of the audience, as well as music, Mediterranean, as well as oriental. The costumes are impressive, if necessary also between oriental, Mediterranean and pirate style, which reflects the ambience of the Mediterranean and maritime traditions, as well as subtle influences from the East.
She is in the role of Dulcinea Lara Dragovic which dominates the scene. Her energy, charisma and combativeness exude emancipation, and she, although a pirate, acts as a true leader who cares for her people, fighting against various obstacles for the common betterment, and even against her father. Presented as fearless and wild, Dulcinea in this interpretation actually exudes nobility, wisdom and maturity, but also self-awareness. Dragović managed to show that Dulsine's struggle is not only physical and emotional, but also moral, internal, which makes her a (modern) heroine who wins the hearts of the audience.
"This role represents a great responsibility and is the most demanding I've had in the theater so far, both physically and as an actor. I got the roles of princesses waiting to be rescued by a man, while here the situation is reversed, I save a man, which I found interesting. Through the development of Dulsineja, the power of love can be seen, it changes, and from the warrior spirit and such a way of life, she realizes that love is the main driver, so she transforms her external power into an internal one that comes in the form of love, and this is transmitted to the whole city", she said. is Dragović.
The man he saves is a poet, writer, artist, Spanish knight, nobleman... Emir Ćatović in the role of Cervantes, he fulfills expectations by bringing elegance and subtlety to the stage. His role exudes dignity and calmness, with essential poetics and depth of feeling, just as you imagine a prince, a knight, inspired and in love with a poet.
The message of the play is that words can cut like a sword, but also that we need much more conversation and communication, Ćatović summed up.
"In the play, it is said 'Silence speaks here because the voice of the quietest does not reach, that there' passes. But 'love wills, and the soul enters, because love is lighter and the burden is the highest'... So surely we all need a little more empathy, not only locally but also when we look at the global picture of what is happening, and all of that has its place in to this play", said Ćatović and added that today it is not easy to be an idealist and an artist, and that such things always require courage.
The local legend represents an important part of the plot, but Tripković also brought an educational, historical, as well as an entertaining and humorous aspect to the play through other dramatic lines, through various characters and jokes. All this was brought to the stage by an ensemble of as many as 19 members... Of course, those with more impressive roles stand out among them... So Omar Bajramspahić, although with a smaller role, he uses every moment on stage to win attention by dominating his presence, while Pavle Ilić he excels with a natural and unobtrusive approach, avoiding "acting" and excessive expressions, which makes his role impressive. There is also Goran Slavić as a pragmatic, but also witty Sancho Panza, who brings humor and graphic references to people from the close environment, while Miloš Pejović i Vanja Jovićević convincing, strong and unwavering in the performance of their characters. Most of the others are only in the function of groups and/or collectives, citizens, pirates, the crowd that should evoke life in the former Ulcinj or on pirate sailing ships, and witty dialogues and comical moments charmingly entice the laughter of those present.
The following also play in the play: Mina Mićović, Stefan Vuković, Itana Dragojević, Vukan Pejović, Miloš Kašćelan, Milo Perović, Nada Vukčević, Ivona Raković, Anđela Radović, Danica Rajković, Sejfo Seferović i Andrea Draskovic. He did the scenography Darko Nedeljković, Tijana Todorović she is in charge of the costumes, she did the music Irena Dragović, stage movement and choreography Slavka Nelevic, she is a proofreader Dubravka Drakić, tutor Davor Novak, costume design assistant Mia Đurović, and the stage designer's assistant Vida Nedeljković.
Judging by the reactions, "Dulcinea and Cervantes" awaits many stage performances, new battles and told stories, if the organization of such a large ensemble allows it... In addition, the task of staging other local legends and historical events, which are rare in Montenegrin the theater.
Bonus video:
