Pašović and Nešković, winners of the "Grad Teatar" award for theater art

Jury, who worked in the composition Branislava Liješević, long-time director of JU "Grad Teatar" and president of the jury, Bozena Jelušić, M.Sc, professor and theoretician of literature and media i Bojana Kovačević, manager of the Sombor National Theater, unanimously decided that the "City Theater" award for contribution to theater art should be awarded equally to the directors Haris Pašović i Milan Nešković due to continuous contribution to the "Grad Teatar" festival, which also determined this year's festival edition.

As stated in the explanation, Haris Pašović constantly "moves and expands the boundaries of the theater".

"This year, the performance 'World of Possibilities', co-produced by the City of Budva Theater, the Serbian National Theater Novi Sad, the East-West Center Sarajevo and the 'Tala' Dance Center Zagreb, confirmed this in an impressive way. In researching the problems of people with disabilities, Pašović opted for a challenging approach, bypassing the traditional activist methods of inclusive theater. Instead, he directed the play at a high professional level, as well as all other repertory plays. The play "World of Possibilities" does not condone a social problem, but incorporates it into an artistic act, contributing to the fight against stigmatization. Pašović's approach opened up a new creative field for actors and theater professionals, resulting in a performance that leaves no one indifferent and can be seen as an example of Aristotle's concept of catharsis".

In addition to the play "World of Possibilities" opening a new, successfully solved professional challenge for the actors, "it enabled the musician Matija Molčanova, a young artist, to confirm with his work the existence of a world of possibilities, which should be opened to everyone".

The jury concludes that: "Pašović, who has been on the stage of the City Theater since 1987 with the play 'Krvoskok', continues his mission of illuminating fundamental social issues." His play 'Waiting for Godot' from 1991 was the last premiere in SFRY, and Pašović's plays are today part of the classical theater heritage. His creativity, especially during the siege of Sarajevo, as well as film and pedagogical work, testify to his significant contribution to the theater. This year's play 'The World of Possibilities' summarizes his search for human values ​​and reminds us that the strength of any society lies in its ability to protect the most vulnerable. The play is a challenge for both theater professionals and the audience, inviting everyone to see, participate and help create a better society".

Director of this year's play "Protection" by Milan Nešković based on the text Branislav Nušić ("Grad theater" and NP Sombor) in the opinion of the jury offers: "very precise and accurate directorial solutions, so that it not only satisfied both the audience and the critics, but also exceeded their expectations". In addition, the jury adds that Nešković "has appeared at the Budva City Theater festival continuously since 2016; through numerous guest performances of plays he directed ('White Coffee', National Theater in Belgrade; 'Prometheus' Path', Dorćol Platz; 'Kus petlić', National Theater Subotica; 'The Seagull', National Theater Sombor), but also as the director of two co-productions 'Theatre City' ('Selestina' with the Yugoslav Drama Theater; 'Protekcija' with the Sombor National Theatre), thus establishing himself as an extremely important artist for "City Theater" Budva today". Therefore, the Jury believes that his: "ability to re-create relevant works that correspond to contemporary themes, most often using a classic dramatic template, while introducing authentic aesthetics and influence, demonstrates his giftedness and passion for theater", so he deserves to receive this important award be recognized as a permanent contribution to the festival and theater scene of the region. Both "Grad Teatar" awards for theater activity will be presented during the XXXIX edition of the "Grad Teatar" festival.