Cross the boundary of time, erasing the wall between game and reality

Through a setting that consciously breaks down the walls between actor and audience, blurring the line between play and reality, the renowned director Paolo Magelli with the play "Tonight we're improvising" perhaps brought reading the closest of all Luiđija Pirandela. This was pointed out by actor Miloš Pejović after the play premiered on the stage of the Montenegrin National Theatre (CNP) on Saturday evening.

Thus, in the best possible way, as befits it, with ovations and enthusiasm from the audience, the new, 72nd season of the national theater was officially opened - with a play based on the cult work of Nobel Prize winner Luigi Pirandello, directed by one of the most important European directors.

"In this play, the actors don't just play roles - they live them, because they were chosen precisely for who they are. This gives the play a special tension: although everything is precisely directed in advance, the play seems to be created in the moment. The actors play as if they are improvising, and it is precisely in this illusion of spontaneity that the greatest challenge of this production lies," said Pejović after the brilliant performance.

Definitely a different kind of theater, a powerful staging and a performance full of emotions that brings the world to itself, in the authentic Madjeli style, left a strong impression on the audience. In the spirit of contemporary expression, the ensemble showed exceptional artistic strength, energy and acting subtlety, winning over the audience from the first scene and introducing them to a story that breaks barriers. The performance is repeated tonight, on the Main Stage at 20 pm.

Reflecting on the work of the Italian playwright and writer, whom he considers one of the most significant writers of the past two centuries and an indispensable creator of modern theater, director Mađeli recalled that he was also a close friend. Albert Einstein...

"Perhaps the general public doesn't know it, but Pirandello was a close friend Albert Einstein, and their exchange of ideas also enriched his philosophical reflections. He was particularly fascinated by the question: am I really who I think I am, or is there someone else inside me, some inner reality that is different from the outer self?” stated Mageli, previously calling it a continent that is difficult to get to know.

"For me, Pirandello is one of the most interesting intellectuals in Europe in the last 150 years, and that's why I've been coming back to him my whole life," he concluded.

Madjeli expressed his satisfaction with working at CNP, whose actors he had met before. He pointed out that he knew most of the actors well even before the process itself, while he met some of them for the first time. He did not spare words of praise for all of them, and he especially highlighted the young actors, describing them as divine.

"You have a truly great acting school, which is clearly visible in their performance and approach. This sets you apart from many other ensembles," emphasized Madjeli, who is also an honorary member of the Montenegrin National Theatre and one of the previous winners of the National Theatre Grand Prize.

Actor Simo Trebješanin playing a character who at one point says: "Art is in a certain way sacred to life, because the creative act is authentic only if it manages to cross the boundary of time"... Trebješanin believes that the ensemble and the play ultimately succeeded in this, and that they really did cross the boundary of time.

He pointed out that the role he plays brought numerous challenges and required complete dedication to the process, and both he and the entire team gave their all, which yielded results.

"Working on this role was extremely complex - not only because of its inner rhythm and depth, but also because of the form of the play itself, which requires constant vigilance, presence and openness. It was truly demanding to find oneself within that world, but at the same time it was an invaluable experience of growth and exploration," said Trebješanin.

He particularly emphasized the value of collaborating with a director like Paolo Maggelli.

"He is a director who loves actors above all else, he knows how to bring out the deepest and most sincere in each actor, while giving them space to grow and develop. That kind of collaboration leaves a strong mark on each of us," said Trebješanin.

CNP drama champion Ana Vujosevic She emphasized that working on the play was extremely demanding and intense, but also deeply inspiring.

"The process was hard, challenging, but also endlessly creative. Now, when we see how the audience reacts, it's clear that every effort was worth it. This is an experience that has enriched us all, both professionally and personally," said Vujošević.

She added that, after very hard and demanding work, they managed to hopefully convey anger and disappointment about the life we ​​live, which she considers the greatest success of this play.

In addition to them, the roles in the play are performed by: Dejan Ivanić, Ana Vučković, Jelena Minič, Jelena Nenezić, Radmila Škuletic, Anja Misović, Luka Stanković, Nikola Perišić, Jovan Dabović, Matija Memedović i Ognjen Sekulić.

Adaptation and dramaturgy by Željka Udovičić Pleština, costume design Lina Lekovic, scenography and video Ivan Marušić Cliff, lighting design by Paolo Magelli i Happy Milosevic, and music Damir Martinovic Mrle i Ivanka Mazurkijevic. She is an assistant director Nataša Milićević, tutor Marija Mitrović, proofreader Dubravka Drakić, costume design assistant Maša Mirković, and executive producer Vukosava Tomović.