The "Cyrillic" Festival continued its anniversary program with a series of events that once again demonstrated the breadth and multidisciplinary nature of this event - from theater and contemporary dance, through literature and historical heritage, to programs intended for the youngest audience.
One of the programs was dedicated to the memory of Kiril Mitrović, with the participation of the father Pavle Kondic, father Aleksandar Lekic i Slobodan Bob MitrovićThe evening opened up space for discussion about his life and work, as well as the place he occupies in the cultural, spiritual and historical memory of Budva.
Of particular importance was the re-enactment of "Helen of Anjou", a play based on the text Jelena Kajgo, directed by Tatjane Mandić Rigonat, her Maria Bergam in the title role. The play tells the story of a medieval queen, an enlightener and a humanist, raising questions of historical memory, responsibility and heritage.
This year's performance had additional symbolism because "Jelena Anžujska" had its premiere at the "Ćirilicom" festival in Budva in 2024. Its return confirms the continuity of the festival's production and the effort to make the "Ćirilicom" festival a space not only for presentation, but also for the creation and further life of works of art. The performance was realized in co-production with the Princely-Serbian Theatre from Kragujevac, the "Ćirilicom" festival, the National Library of Budva and the "Kultura sada" association from Belgrade.
Through the program "Battle for Honor", in which they participated Ivana Žigon and prof. Ph.D Srđa Martinović, the festival opened up the themes of historical heritage, honor, responsibility and values that transcend their time. As part of the evening with Ivana Žigon, the monograph "Our Diva Jelena of Montenegro", dedicated to her mother, was also presented. Jelena Zigon Jovanovic, and "Battle for Honor", dedicated to the general Mitar MartinovićThe conversation connected family heritage, historical figures, and the culture of memory.
The festival will continue with the presentation of the book "The Spirit Breathes Where It Will" by the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral. Joanikia, which has been postponed from its original date to September 13th. The book will be discussed by the father Aleksandar Lekic, Sinisa Jelusic, Dusan Krcunov i Radomir UljarevićThe program will open a space for discussion about spirituality, literature, culture, and the broader civilizational and cultural heritage.
The premiere of the dance performance "Impurity Blood", based on the novel, also attracted great attention from the audience. Borisav Bore Stanković, produced by Bitef Theatre. Choreography by Miloš Isailović, music Ana Krstajić, dramaturgy Igor Koruga, scenography Andreja Rondović, costumes Vera Damjanović, and light design Dragan Đurković.
The performance translates Stanković's Sofka into the language of contemporary dance, connecting motifs of South Serbian tradition with electronic sound and contemporary stage expression. Through different performers representing different phases of Sofka's life, the performance speaks about the experience of a woman, the body, fate and pressures of society, connecting a literary classic with the contemporary moment.
"Maticni prostori" (Home Spaces) was also presented in the literary segment. Dragan Hamović, through the author's conversation with Stankom RadjenovicThe evening was dedicated to the themes of homeland, identity, language and cultural memory.
A special place in the program was the premiere of the play for children "A Journey Around the World", based on the text and directed by Jelena Kajgo, which was performed on Saturday. The story follows Marko and Kristina, two teenagers who set off on a journey around the world during their summer vacation to get to know different countries and dances. Through classical ballet, Indian, African and other traditional dances, flamenco, salsa and elements of musical theater, the play introduces children to different cultures and dance traditions. The performance features final-year students from the "Lujo Davičo" Secondary Ballet School, from the classical and contemporary departments.
The author's idea is to combine fun with learning, stimulate children's imagination and curiosity, and bring dance closer to the youngest audience.
Tonight the festival continues its musical program with a concert Bilje Krstić and the Bistrik ensemble. Their distinctive expression combines traditional Balkan music with contemporary arrangements, which naturally connects to the festival's idea of a contemporary reading of cultural heritage.
The concert will be held at the Square Between the Churches in the Old Town of Budva, starting at 21 pm. Admission is free.
Numerous programs await the audience until the end of the festival. On September 8th, the following program will be held Jovan Delic "An endless blue circle and a star in it", and on the evening of September 9th Jane Necpalove i Zvonka Taneskog "Between poetry, participatory art and performance." The premiere of the play "The Ruler" is scheduled for September 10th, with a repeat performance on September 11th.
The final part of the festival will bring more literary encounters and conversations, including guest appearances Sinan Gudžević.
The festival will close on September 15th with a guest appearance Dusan Kovačević, with whom he will talk Gojko Božović, and on that occasion he will be ceremonially presented with the "Saint Stefan Štiljanović" award.
The jubilee, tenth edition of the "Cyrillic" festival thus continues to develop its basic idea - that cultural heritage should not remain just a part of the past, but should acquire new meanings and reach a new audience through contemporary art forms.
The festival "Cyrillic" is organized by Obodsko slovo and the Association of Publishers and Booksellers of Montenegro, under the patronage of the Municipality of Budva. All festival programs are free for the public.
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