Literary programme
On Sunday, August 4th, starting at 9PM, the festival’s literary programme is to be continued, with The Selected Works of Ljubomir Ðurković being presented. The guests of the “Poet’s Square” will be: Ilija Ðurović (a writer, poet and the edition’s editor) and Brano Mandić (a writer, journalist and visual art’s creator). He is also the director of “Žuta kornjača” publishing house. “Žuta kornjača” has published Ljubomir Ðurković’s selected works in two volumes: “Selected Plays” and “Poetry, Prose”.
Ilija Ðurović stated in the preface to the edition that “Although Ljubomir Ðurković’s canon might not seem extensive to some, it comprises in itself the whole picture of an area and the struggles of its inhabitants whilst it is changing in front of their very eyes. (…) No matter if it’s about his naturalistically colored plays, or whether the theme is the eternal struggle for power which is presented in the form of contemporary adaptations of ancient myths or maybe him creating poetic metaphors and the new reality using prose, one thing is for certain. Ljubomir Ðurković manages to accomplish all this by making us see the bigger picture, that could serve as a mirror, at the same time reflecting the past and the possible future. Ljubomir Ðurković offered to the Montenegrin literature authentic stories and new writing tools as well as the playful and everyday language through his texts for the plays. This allowed for the actor’s and actresses on the Montenegrin stages to finally speak like human beings. He provided our literature with a wide variety of intonation and rhythm and tackled the problem of intergenerational nuances of a language that is the most superior in his plays of the “Family Cycle”. Furthermore, in a confined world of the Montenegrin dramatic literature, he brought the contemporary techniques of ancient myth reinterpretation. The readers, for example, become a witness to how it would be if the Sin of Oedipus was just a lie, concocted in order for the one to come to power. The audience sometimes also has a chance to ask themselves ,for example, what would remain of the ancient myths if they were confined to the scopes of “reality shows”.
Theatre Programme
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 guards following everything he wrote. 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.
The play protection will also be performed at this year’s festival on the 5th and 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