On Saturday, August 3rd at 9PM, one will have a chance to witness the premiere of the play Favoritism, at the amphitheater of the “Sveta Trojica” Monastery (Stanjevići). The play is adapted and directed by Milan Nešković, in accordance with Branislav Nušić’s play of the same name. The play is the co-production of the “Theatre City” Budva and the Sombor National Theatre. The play Favoritism is the 82nd production of the “Theatre City” and it is important to highlight that this is the first time Nušić is a part of the festival.
In the director’s preface, Milan Nešković stated the following: “Humor is one of the most complex forms of communication amongst people. Therefore, it is not that common, nor easy to be funny whilst trying to do that on stage doubles the difficulty. Suffice to say, there are many types of humor, capable of producing different kinds of laughter. Nušić’s humor, however, is universal. It digs deeper into the character of a nation that hasn’t changed for almost two centuries-and why would it change when it’s doing so well. Protection is one of Branislav Nušić’s earliest works. He wrote it while he was in prison, the authoritative eyes of the guards following everything he was writing. Therefore, he was made to tone down his criticism that cost him his freedom in the first place. That is how this heart-warming story, atypical of him, came to be. It is a relatable and tackles the topic of imperfect human character. All the characters are impossible not to like, despite their faults which are, however, not to be overlooked. One of the songs for the play goes-Is this a matter of character or is it a mental illness? Whatever the answer to this question is, only humor can seemingly save the world-both ours and the one of Nušić’s characters. And if we already share the protagonists’ character, let’s share their faith too and wish them good luck. Understandably, the ending signifies finality, and thus can stand beside the word happiness only as an oxymoron. That’s what we want in theatre and that’s what we want from humor. Long live the theatre oxymorons and the human warm-heartedness and humor. As for you, Mr.Nušić, I thank you! Happy 160th birthday!”
Along with Milan Nešković ,who was responsible for the adaptation and direction, the authorial team includes: Biljana Grgur (costume design), Daniela Dimitrovska (scenographer), Duda Buržujka (music for the play), Staša Blečić (stage movement), Dr.Dijana Marojević (stage speech coaching) and Ivan Nikolovski (assistant scenographer).
Cast: Ninoslav Ðorđević, Marija Maša Labudović, Ivana V.Jovanović, Saša Torlaković, Biljana Keskenović, Ana Rudakijević, Lazar Nikolić, Srđan Aleksić, Julija Petković, Miloš Lazić, Stevan Vuković and Staša Blečić.
Following the premiere, the play protection will also be performed on the 4th, 5th and the 6th of August.
Transportation will be provided for the play’s audience from the bus stop in front of the “Tre Canne” Hotel at 7.30 PM. It must be highlighted that there are parking spots in the vicinity of the Monastery.
The “Theatre City” Press-Office