The thirty-ninth Budva City Theatre Festival will open on July 1st with the performance Boris Liješević “My Theater” on the stage Between the Churches.
"During its 54 days, this year's "City of Theatre" will present a total of 66 events, including 20 theatrical titles, 8 concerts, 15 literary evenings and 2 art exhibitions. The programs will take place in the squares and streets of Budva's Old Town as well as outside it, in the amphitheater of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Stanjevići, in the Slovenska Plaza hotel complex, and on the fortress above Mogren Beach. It will bring together more than 700 participants from Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Portugal, France, Great Britain, Russia, the Netherlands... As usual, the programs will combine the desire to present new artistic tendencies, attractive new productions and themes, as well as to equally represent the most attractive content that marked the region and the international scene in the previous year," say its organizers.
The motto of this year's festival is TRUTH - THE SEA - TO THE SUN, which is a quote from the play Dusan Jovanovic "The Life of Provincial Playboys after World War II or We Want Others' Things, We Don't Give Ours" is based on which one of the festival premieres is being prepared.
"Our wish was also to recognize artistic truth, a characteristic of authentic and unique artistic creations. Again, the question of how important all of this is in a world that takes as much of both truth and art as it needs is open, in order to form an image in accordance with the needs of social trends that rarely go hand in hand with human well-being. Therefore, an ironic insight is also possible, which exposes the simulacrum, sharpens vision and insight, and points to the possible recognition of dominant and imposed social patterns of propaganda, which limit the being in its possibilities," he says for "Vijesti" Svetlana Ivanovic, chief editor of programs at the Public Institution "Grad Teatar".
Drama program: Three premieres
"Following several program tasks: presenting the latest attractive theater projects, preserving award-winning festival productions from the past, as well as creating new theater achievements, the festival's theater program will include 20 different titles, including three festival premieres.".
From our own festival production from previous years, we will present several titles that won awards and the hearts of audiences across Europe in the period between the two festivals, and they are: World of Possibilities (Haris Pašović), which was performed in five countries and seven cities between the two festivals, winning significant author awards as well as awards for the play as a whole; “Protection” Branislav Nušić (Milan Neskovic), which was performed and awarded at regional festivals; “Nadpop Kojović” Vide Ognjenović who, having illuminated the character and work of the Budva native Antun Kojović in a humorous and emotional way added another pearl to the series of festival productions inspired by local heritage; “Radovan III” Dusan Kovačević (Vito Taufer) also crowned with significant awards throughout the region, as well as “Unreal City” Vuk Ršumović, "which is linked to specific locations in Budva, and which, due to its interactivity and small number of possible participants, will be shown in enough times after the performance to be able to respond to the exceptional interest shown in it," she stated in an interview for "Vijesti". Milena Lubarda Marojevic, Director of the Public Institution "Grad Theatre".
Among the guest programs, as she announced, she will present "My Theater", the latest authorial project by Boris Liješević, which will open the festival on July 1. The opening of the festival, just like Liješević's play, will be dedicated to the city of Budva and nostalgic connections with its past.
"Then, in the amphitheater of the Stanjevići Monastery, "Fathers and Fathers" will be performed, directed by Veljko Mićunović, one of the most awarded plays in the region in recent years, having so far been crowned with 11 awards for best play at various festivals as well as 33 individual artistic awards. We are particularly pleased that this play will be performed outdoors for the first time. Another original project by the great director is the play “Marlena – Five Charges of Indictment”, by Haris Pašović with Mirjana Karanović in the title role. “Cyrano de Bergerac”, a new play by the Zagreb Gavella Theatre, directed by Aleksandra Popovskog and with music Marjana Nećak, brings a new and engaging reading of a familiar story, with Ozren Grabarić in the title role. Also coming from Zagreb is “Mediterranean Breviary, on the waves of Radio Mediteran”, author's project Pavlice Bajsic Brazzoduro, based on the "Mediterranean Breviary" Predrag Matvejevića and “Tales from the neighboring port (portulanu)” Oil Savičević Ivančević, another completely new theater play that has won over the audience and critics in a short time and just a few performances. The Royal Theater Zetski Dom will present this year the play "The Case of the Virgin", based on the text Stella Miskovic, and in directing Dora Ruždjak Podolski. Another new and exciting retelling of a familiar plot is presented in “Private Celebration” by the text Maje Todorovic and directed Vladimir Aleksić, which will be played at the Mogren Fortress," emphasized Lubarda Marojević.
Shakespeare's Feast: A Play with Cooking
From the Shakespeare festival in York, Parabolla Theatre, as Lubarda Marojević points out, this year brings us "Feast", literally and metaphorically (Feast: a play in one cooking), where the audience will enjoy theater and food together with famous female characters from Shakespeare's works.
"The festival will be closed, as it was opened, with the author's project by Boris Liješević from Budva, the play 'The Other Side' by the Montenegrin National Theatre, which has also won over the audience, critics and festival awards in a short time, and which tells the story of the other side of our lives, will bring the curtain down on this year's festival stage," she pointed out.
The first theatrical premiere, as Lubarda Marojević emphasized, will be a play for children "Treasure Island" based on the famous novel Roberta Luisa Stevenson, adapted and directed Kokan Mladenović.
"This will be a co-production of the Grad Teatar festival with the Mali pozorište 'Duško Radović' from Belgrade. A special segment of this year's premiere drama program is dedicated to the project 'Sexual Theatre' - a feminist reading of literary classics, funded by the Creative Europe program, which is implemented by the Public Institution 'Grad Teatar' with partners: the Bosnian National Theater from Zenica, the 'Paul Valery' University from Montpellier, as well as the Cultural Center from Braga in Portugal. The project connects drama artists from all four countries, so we will have the opportunity to watch four theater titles that have been worked on in the past two years: 'This is not a country for women' directed by Lorana Berzea and dramatization Katja Faišku, created based on motifs Lovebirds 'Skočiđevojke', the play “Žive” based on the text Aisha Eze, directed by Julie Serdeire,'Beautiful voice' according to the text Nejme Cizmo, directed by Minje Novakovic and “Come out and fight”, according to the text Stella Miskovic, and directed Laika Kaikchija", said Lubarda Marojević and added: "The third major festival co-production is dedicated to marking the fifth anniversary of the death of the famous Yugoslav director and writer Dušan Jovanović, and in addition to the Grad Teatar, the following are participating: Mestvno gledališče from Ljubljana, Belgrade Drama Theatre, and NU Drama Theatre Skopje. It is a comedy "The Life of Provincial Playboys after World War II or We Want What Others Want - We Don't Give What We Have" in directing Ivana Penović", which after its premiere in Budva will immediately play at the Ohrid Summer Festival, and then at the Ulysses Festival on Brioni. This project, which is currently being prepared in Skopje, will be performed at a new location within the Slovenska Plaza hotel complex," she announced.
During the festival, the "City of Theatre" awards will be presented for contributions to theatre art, to laureates, directors Milan Nešković and Haris Pašović.
Two art exhibitions
This year too, the Public Institution "Grad Teatar", as Lubarda Marojević said, continues its cooperation with the institutions of fine arts in Montenegro, with the aim of promoting fine arts heritage.
"For this festival, two exhibitions are planned; one in cooperation with the Public Institution "Museums and Galleries of Podgorica" and one in cooperation with the Art Colony from Danilovgrad.". The first exhibition, which will traditionally open on July 13, will aim to present valuable sculptures from the holdings of the Public Institution "Museums and Galleries of Podgorica" in a selection Ljiljana Karadzic, art historian and curator of this exhibition. The exhibition will be opened under the title “Crossroads – Sculptures from the Collection of the Public Institution “Museums and Galleries of Podgorica”. The second exhibition is planned for August 3rd, when we will also pay attention to the tradition of graphics and graphic art. The exhibition is titled "The Celebration of Graphics", which is also supported by the Manifestampe organization from France, selects Mirko Toljic", a graduate graphic artist and graphic designer and professor of graphics. Both exhibitions will be set up in the church of Santa Marija in Punta," emphasized the director of the Public Institution "Grad Teatar".
Music program: Mostly local forces
The festival's musical program, according to Lubarda Marojević, will be opened by a world-renowned Macedonian pianist. Simon Trpčeski, on the square in front of the Old Town, where, together with the band Makedonissimo, they will perform famous melodies in the manner and style of virtuosos.
"This is music that is greeted with ovations by audiences from all continents, and this musical festival on the open square will be realized by 'Grad Teatar' together with the Tourist Organization of the Municipality of Budva. A musical homage to the spiritual thought of the Baroque entitled 'The Sublime World of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi', which will be performed in accordance with the musical practice of the time when Pergolesi's works were created, will be performed by soprano Sara Vujosevic Jovanovic, baritone Dmitry Grinykh with an ensemble that brings together prominent artists from Montenegro and Russia, while the role of harpsichordist and conductor will be performed by Ivan VelikanovPresentation of works by contemporary Montenegrin composers (Senad Gačević, Branko Zenović)) through different genres and styles, in specific arrangements inspired by local folklore, and a completely new use of traditional gusal in the context of art music, could be a brief description of the concert in which the festival and the performers strive to breathe new life into more or less well-known compositions, through a more contemporary sound and style, mainly in the "world music" manner, with touches of ethno-jazz and post-romanticism. The following will perform at this concert: Dušica Kordić (violin, fiddle, voice), Milica Lalosevic (soprano) you Nikola Vuckovic (piano)," she announced and added:
"Singer-songwriter, painter and poet Nenad Marić, known as "The King of Čačak", is also known to the audience of our festival as an author of music for plays. This summer, together with his band, he will perform the author's music with which he has gained popularity among a very wide audience, preserving the authenticity of poetic and musical expression. An evening dedicated to contemporary jazz music will take place in the Mogren Fortress. Jazz guitarist and composer from Budva, Matija Mitrović, together with a drummer and a pianist, who form the band called “Sept Noir”, will perform their original music, which has already conquered many European jazz scenes. “Arie per Due” is the name of the program that will be performed by eminent artists Sandra Belic, cellist, and Ljubisa Jovanovic, flutist, performing works by Beethoven, Handel, Žarko Mirković i Ivana Stefanovic. “Shadows and Light” is a concert by another duo performing at this year's festival. Violinist Marko Simovic and a pianist Vladana Perović will perform works by Debussy, Grieg, Beethoven, Corelli... The musical program of the XXXIX festival will be closed by talented and successful young people from Budva: Milica Radović (solo singing), Matija Molcanov (piano), Jelena Divanovic (piano) and Andjela Vlaovic (flute),” Lubarda Marojević pointed out.
Poets' Square: A special place for French authors, 180 years since the publication of "Luce" and half a century since Andrić's death
"The initial idea of this year's festival has once again focused attention on authors who, with the uniqueness of their voices, define the poetic directions of the environments in which they operate. Although we are waiting for a few more confirmations for this year's guest appearance, we can already see the dominant thread that guided us throughout this year's festival. Primarily, our focus is on writers who, by choosing topics, question standardized facts, problematizing exactly what is remembered by official history and promoted by official authorities, what has been silenced and hidden, but has also inevitably emerged in the form of a literary or other relevant work," said Svetlana Ivanović.
“At the very opening, the guest of the literary program will be French writer Eric Villard, among others, the winner of the Goncourt Prize, the most important literary award in France, whose novels are available in the editions of 'Akademska knjiga' from Novi Sad. Exploring history, Villard in his numerous novels points to the constructed orientations of the power system, which shape not only what needs to be remembered, but also what is imposed on contemporary society as the norm. Of course, Villard's subversive insight, clear literary form and extraordinary language expose the problems of the contemporary world and attempts to obscure the truth, but also pave the way for possible liberation from imposed norms.
This year, we are also presenting the “Stefan M. Ljubiša” award for 2024/2025 at the Square to Vladislav Bajc, writer and publisher. Bajac is a dear guest of the Poets' Square, both as a writer and as a publisher and editor of one of the most important houses in the region, 'Geopoetika'," said Ivanović.
He adds that the jury, which in the past two years has been composed of: Prof. Dr. Vesna Goldsvorti, Prof. Dr. Tatjana Đurišić and Prof. Dr. Zoran Paunović, decided that Bajac should be the winner of the festival award for literature, both because of the innovativeness of the topics he has dealt with in his decades-long work, from researching the cultures of the Far East, the histories and cultures that have shaped the history of the Balkans, but also the scope of the multifaceted and multi-layered identities of the people of this region, to the thematization of contemporary history manifested in dynamic social changes and the high and popular culture that have permeated it.
“Goce Smilevski, a Macedonian writer, winner of the European Prize for Literature, author of several novels, including ‘Conversations with Spinoza’ and ‘Sigmund Freud’s Sister’, is also a guest at the Square. Smilevski, delving deeply into historical facts, tries to reexamine and understand the actions of historical figures he chooses as his own heroes, and thus to raise questions about the values that shaped European civilization. This year, we are also marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Ivo Andrić at the Square. On this occasion, Jasmina Ahmetagić will present her study ‘The Book of Andrić’ at the Square, which interprets some of Andrić’s most complex characters using Jung’s theory of archetypes and the collective unconscious. Emanuel Ruben, who also creates contemporary literary trends in French literature with his poetics, is also a guest at the Square. The author of the novel ‘Mediterranean Women’, published in the “Akademska knjiga” from Novi Sad, considers the fateful customs defined by the history of the gap between European and African of the continent, one of the world's most dynamic regions, points to the inextricable ties of life and the space from which it originates, as well as the need for belonging and the need for understanding", points out Ivanović and emphasizes:
"Zoran Ferić, a storyteller from Croatia, a writer of private histories shaped not only by the whims of socio-historical events, but also by the inevitabilities of biological time, is a guest at the Square this year on the occasion of the publication of his new collection of stories 'Spiderman'. In addition to a review of his latest work, the writer will also be interviewed about his previous literary work, which has earned him a place in contemporary Croatian literature. Svetlana Kalezić Radonjić, a professor, literary theorist and poet, is testing her literary knowledge and skill this time in the form of a short story, which deals with the challenges that modern society poses to women, thereby questioning both the true achievements of feminism in modern society, but also the feminist postulates themselves," says Ivanović.
According to her, Slavica Perović, another author from Montenegro, with her third novel "Nova Nora", also searches for the possibilities of women's liberation in the "doll's house" built by contemporary social norms, about the power of underground patriarchal currents that define its boundaries, but also about the fact that escape is still possible for the sake of the need to know oneself.
“Already a well-known name on the Montenegrin literary scene, Aleksandar Ćuković, this time at the Square presents his collection of essays 'Terror of Leisure'. Dealing with numerous aspects of both social reality and the dynamics of cultural life, Ćuković demystifies the superficialities of the modern era, but also points to true values, witnesses of the times, primarily in culture, which he understands as the essential value of every advanced society. This year at the Square we will also present the book 'The Proud and the Humble - Fyodor Dostoevsky's Paradoxists' by Prof. Jovan Popov, awarded the 'Nikola Milošević' award for 2024. By analyzing the heroes of Dostoevsky's literature, which he divides into three groups: servants, buffoons and eroticists, Prof. Popov points to the reasons and scope of the internal conflicts that lead them, thereby determining the course of the novel's plot. With this approach, the author also contributes to 'an overall understanding of the complex and tragic nature of man', as the book's reviewers point out.
In 1845, 'Luča Mikrokozma', a metaphysical poem by Petar II Petrović Njegoš, was published in Belgrade. In honor of the 180th anniversary of the publication of 'Luča', Prof. Dr. Milo Lompar will be giving a lecture on the Square about the semantic scope of the poem, the European temporal and value context in which it appears, as well as "Luča" as a literary and cultural value of the first order.
Radomir D. Mitrić is a writer of the younger generation, who has reflected himself both in poetry and in novels. So far, he has been awarded some of the most significant awards (Branko Award, “Miloš Crnjanski” Award, “Poetry and Solidarity” Award in cooperation with UNESCO, “Milutin Bojić” Award, Hungarian “Milovan Vidaković” Award, Mrkonjić Grada Award, etc.). In Budva, he presents the collection “Kino Mediteran”, which thematizes the subtlety of the fate of a poetic being, the subtlety and strength of lyrical expression and the immeasurable possibilities of language, all with the aim of reaching the essence of the world and the truth about man”, emphasizes Ivanović.
The relationship between illusion and truth, or how the knowledge of psychiatry and psychoanalysis, acquired at Viennese universities, including from Freud, helped Hugo Klein survive the occupation during World War II, better understand Shakespeare, and direct his interests from medicine to theater directing, are the themes of Goran Marković's new novel "The Institute", which will also be presented at this year's Trg.
“Katarina Mitrović, another authentic new voice on the literary scene, in her new novel 'All the Good Barbies' thematizes the inner search for truth and the need to express it, which leads to written form, whether in a novel, drama text or screenplay.
This year, a special contribution to the conversations at the Square will be made by famous writers, professors, editors, critics and literary theorists, publishers and translators: Bora Babić, Melita Logo Milutinović, Zoran Paunović, Tanja Bečanović, Vesna Goldsvorti, Božena Jelušić, Milorad Durutović, Maja Malbaša, Drago Glamuzina, Radoje Femić, Nikola Marinković, Jana Aleksić, Danka Ivanović and Zvonko Karanović, with the note that we will soon announce the names of other guests," concluded Ivanović.
Bonus video:
