A unique event on the Montenegrin theater and festival scene, the Manifestation of Chamber Dramatic Achievements - MAKADO, which is traditionally organized in February at the Cultural and Information Center (KIC) "Budo Tomović" in Podgorica, has built its name, identity, significance over the years, but also created its own audience - lovers of intimate theater, admirers of the independent scene, those who enjoy close contact with the magic of chamber performances in the Dodest hall, people as authentic as the festival itself.
The evolution of the increasingly popular Makad, in addition to public interest and tickets sold out in advance, is also evidenced by the presence of exceptionally high-quality regional plays, as well as the most famous acting names from the former Yugoslavia, as well as the "Sat Kula" awards, primarily for bravura, but also for the best female or male role and the play as a whole, which have gained in reputation in a short time...
But February is passing by, and Makado is missing from the repertoire. The eagerly awaited, jubilee, tenth edition of the increasingly popular Makado will still be postponed this year and will be held in November, the director of KIC confirmed to Vijesti. Aida Batilovic, despite the prepared selection (which is in charge of one of the founders of the Manifestation Zoran Šoškić) and pre-arranged visits. The reason for this is the failure to adopt the budget of the Capital City of Podgorica, i.e. temporary funding that has limited the work of numerous institutions, including the KIC.
"Traditionally, the festival was held and planned in February, but taking into account the temporary financing in the Capital City, which entails certain procedures and restrictions, we have postponed the planned date to November in order to implement this important event as efficiently as possible. This will not disrupt our planned program activities. Postponing the festival represents a time shift in accordance with the current circumstances," Batilović pointed out in response to questions from Vijesti.
Since the Draft Budget Decision for 2025 is in the parliamentary procedure, Batilović is optimistic, and hopes and expects that it will be adopted as soon as possible, which will end the temporary financing.
"Previously, due to different dynamics and procedures during the temporary financing, we briefly postponed the most demanding event planned for February to the fall. The events planned for 2025 will be realized, and the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy numerous concerts, plays, films...", he promises.
Batilović is aware that Makado is a respectable theater festival celebrating its ten years of existence, and claims that the current situation, the change in dates and the budget situation, will not affect the audience or the festival itself.
"There are few stable and rounded stories that have quality and continuity, and we have achieved that with Makada. We have so many business friends and potential plays competing for our festival. The new date also fits our program efforts to improve the festival. It will take place, of course, as we said in November. The anniversary is a significant opportunity to present plays from the region, or rather small and intimate dramatic forms, to the Podgorica audience," says the director.
Batilović adds that “it is necessary to nurture and preserve cooperation and gain trust based on quality and mutual understanding.” He also emphasizes that the intention is for the anniversary to be adequately marked.
"Makado has established itself on the art scene and has gained a reputation in the domestic and regional context since its establishment. We also have our own audience that regularly follows and supports the festival. The new date will not affect the existing relationship with the audience. Simply put, the intention is for the tenth Makado to take place as we imagined it, that is, to be a celebration of theater culture in the domain of small drama forms. So, it is an anniversary and that is why we planned for this year's Makado to be recognizable, significant and richer in terms of program with the sincere intention of presenting the audience with 10 current plays from Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. We have made a selection that corresponds to the basic concept of the festival, which since its establishment has been based on an open approach, regional cooperation and nurturing domestic independent production," said Batilović.
The director of KIC emphasizes that it is not easy to coordinate the participation of ten plays at the festival, and that the organization involves a number of logistical aspects.
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"It's a demanding and serious job. But we have to say that the producers of all the plays planned for the February edition of Makad have accepted the new date. Of course, some changes are possible over time. Theater is always a lively and unpredictable activity. But we are monitoring the situation and are not giving up on the initial concept, everything is going according to plan," he says.
Batilović also adds that Makado has a clear program framework, but also that as the director of KIC "Budo Tomović" she follows current events on a domestic and regional level.
"Of course, we will continue to support independent Montenegrin production. We are also open to new ideas and projects, new readings and experimental approaches. Development while preserving authenticity," says Batilović.
The biggest challenges are finances, space, infrastructure...
The director pointed out to Vijesti that KIC "Budo Tomović" continues to work on preserving and improving its cultural offering, despite various challenges, and she also reveals what they are.
"Among the key challenges are financial and spatial constraints, given the large number of projects that are implemented daily in our institution, as well as technical and infrastructural needs, which require regular maintenance and improvement of working conditions. The focus remains on ensuring the stable functioning of the KIC, strengthening cooperation with domestic and international partners, as well as adapting the program to the needs of the audience and the artistic community... Regardless of the challenges, the KIC strives to maintain continuity in organizing diverse cultural events and contribute to the enrichment of the city's cultural life, through the promotion of art, education and support for creative initiatives," says Batilović.
She adds that KIC's future priorities are improving working conditions and preserving the continuity of cultural activities.
"The goal is for the institution to be not only a gathering place for art lovers, but also a strong driver of creative initiatives that contribute to cultural identity and community development. Culture and art play a key role in society, and the task of institutions is to create conditions for their unhindered development, while respecting autonomy and creative freedom. Although culture and politics function in different frameworks, their correlation is inevitable, especially in the context of institutional funding and strategic planning," he believes.
Batilović reminds that KIC has a revenue account that is part of the treasury of the Capital City of Podgorica, so financing and planning are carried out in accordance with defined procedures.
"All income generated by the institution is directed to the treasury of the Capital City of Podgorica," says Batilović, adding that the KIC "Budo Tomović" is in continuous communication with the competent authorities of the Capital City.
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