The manifestation of chamber drama creations - MAKADO, unique in the Montenegrin theatrical landscape, once again showed why a small stage and space, the proximity of the actor and the audience, and an intimate atmosphere can produce deep, sincere and powerful theatrical moments, emotions and enlightenment.
Chamber theater brings the courage of stripped-down expression, thanks to which every feeling is more subtle, but also closer and stronger, every sentence more direct and louder, and silence and pauses heavier and more effective. That is why, at the festival, elements that often remain hidden on large stages come to the fore, and the precision of movement, partner play, light and sound design, details in direction and dramaturgy are not a sensation or spectacle, but emotion, clarity, conviction and the connection that is built.
The MAKADO Festival, organized by the Cultural and Information Center "Budo Tomović", has traditionally been held for years in February, in the iconic Podgorica hall "Dodest". There, it has built and developed an identity that is rarely found on the Montenegrin scene - a small-format identity that constantly raises big questions.
This year's 10th anniversary edition of the Makado festival was held instead of February, as expected, during the second half of November. Despite this and regardless of the circumstances, the Manifestation of Chamber Dramatic Achievements confirmed from November 17 to 26 that the values on which it is based find their way to the audience, shape them and attract them. Originality, sincerity, nakedness, initiating dialogue are the core of theater, regardless of the stage, and it is precisely as such that Makado has been living and developing for a decade, becoming an interesting and appreciated theater event, both in Montenegro and in the region, as demonstrated by the diversity of productions.
"During its ten years of existence, MAKADO has grown into a festival that confirms that great art often emerges from small forms, and that the deepest truths can be told even in an intimate stage setting. This year's edition is not only an anniversary, but also confirmation that the values of authenticity and artistic sincerity, on which the festival is based, are still strongly present. The audience followed the program with great interest this year, and the Dodest hall was a meeting place of strong emotions, creative energies and lively dialogue between actors and spectators," the KIC "Budo Tomović" said in a statement.
During nine dynamic theatrical days, the audience at the 10th edition of Makado had the opportunity to watch fantastic chamber performances, carefully selected and mostly produced by independent and free scenes, including: “How to Become a Woman for Whom Everything Is Forgiven”, “Bajbok”, “Gideon's Knot”, “The Hunt for the Boar”, “The Audience”, “Chronicle of Rural Love”, “Love” and “Pluća”. Finally, given that MAKADO has grown from a revue into a competitive event in the meantime, awards were also given to the best - “Sat kula”, in four categories.
The awards were decided by a jury made up of directors Zoran Rakočević i Drasko Đurović and an actor Omar Bajramspahić. Jury President Zoran Rakočević, at the closing of the event on Wednesday evening, pointed out that during its decade of existence, MAKADO has seriously positioned itself on the regional theater map and given the cult Dodest scene a new uniqueness, opening up space for new, young authors, directors and actors...
"The jury decided by a majority vote that the award for the best overall play should go to 'Gideon's Knot' by the Sarajevo Youth Theatre and MESS Stage, with the explanation that the play treats the contemporary, growing problem of peer violence in a psychologically serious and engaging manner, leaving a striking, emotionally strong and warning impression," the statement said.
The roles in the play were performed by Selma Alispahić i Helena Vukovic, giving it distinct authenticity and strength.
"The drama was based on a text by a renowned American author John Adams, and deals with the burning issues of the school system, freedom of expression, peer violence, creative freedom, as well as the responsibility of teachers and parents. The play raised the question of whether the search for answers deepens the 'Gordian knot' or can still lead us to its solution. However, the simplicity of the stage expression allowed the emotions and messages of the play to come to the fore in full force. The play thus left a strong impression and encouraged reflection on topics that concern us all," KIC previously stated.
Montenegrin actress wins acting award Milica Scepanovic, for her role in the play “How to Become a Woman Who Can Be Forgiven Everything”. In explaining her decision, the jury emphasized that “Milica is a co-author of a direct and modern monodrama genre, and a performer who creates an authentic character who can justifiably be thought to exist outside of theatrical conditions.”
"It is a play that talks about the nonsense that is presented to us and that we accept without questioning. Namely, Dušica Beba Popović Tot is a woman who teaches the course 'How to Become a Woman Who Can Forgive Everything'. In this course, women, and even men, receive input on how to survive in today's world, how to become the best version of themselves and be better than others," the monodrama's description reads.
By unanimous decision, the "Sat Kula" award for best male role was awarded to a young man from Nikšić. Stevan Vuković for his role in the play "Lungs" by the Nikšić Theater. The jury emphasized that Vuković "with the fullness of his acting expression covers many psychological states of modern man, creating a character that functions in various dramatic and genre circumstances."
Tatjana Kecman won the award for best female role for her performance in the play "Bajbok" by the Ferzeng Theater, in which, according to the jury, "with her brave acting being, she pushes the boundaries of verism, equally managing to play an engaged, but also poeticized dramatic character of a migrant woman on the edge of existence and the meaning of life."
In honor of the awardees, the event ended with a poetic and musical performance, the anti-cabaret "Gentleman" Obrad Nenezić, in performance Jovan Dabović i Slobodanka Bobana Dabović Đurić.
"We thank all the actors, authors, directors, the jury, colleagues, and especially the audience. All together, this year again, we found ourselves under the stage lights, in a meeting that only theater can create," says the KIC "Budo Tomović".
The next, 11th edition of Makad will be held next November.
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