CNP: We made the decision to cancel participation in BITEF before the CCE public call

The Montenegrin National Theatre (CNP) announced that the statement by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE), calling on the CNP to withdraw the play from the program of the 59th BITEF, is "pretentious, prejudiced and incorrect".

"The Montenegrin National Theatre has made a decision to cancel its participation and informed the organizer, i.e. the management of BITEF, before the CCE public call. Despite the fact that the information about the cancellation has not yet been publicly announced, we consider it inappropriate for the CNP, without first seeking a position or response on this issue, to be linked to the qualifications presented in the statement. Serious qualifications also require a serious attitude towards the facts," the CNP said.

They also add that they believe that prior communication with the CNP would contribute to more accurate and complete information for the public.

"In the process of deciding on a guest appearance at this year's BITEF, CNP carefully considered all the circumstances and possibilities for participation and made its decision accordingly. CNP makes its decisions on participation or non-participation in festivals and other programs independently and responsibly (within CNP itself), taking into account artistic goals, professional obligations, interests of the institution, artists and the public," it was announced.