{"id":81478,"date":"2026-09-08T07:46:03","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T05:46:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/?p=81478"},"modified":"2026-09-08T07:46:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T05:46:03","slug":"40th-theatre-city-festival-quakes-and-flatters-ever-since-theft-re-theft-and-un-theft-vida-ognjenovic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/40th-theatre-city-festival-quakes-and-flatters-ever-since-theft-re-theft-and-un-theft-vida-ognjenovic\/","title":{"rendered":"40TH THEATRE CITY FESTIVAL: Quakes and Flatters Ever Since ( Theft, Re-theft and Un-theft)- Vida Ognjenovi\u0107"},"content":{"rendered":"

This summer, the lovers of art and culture are invited to partake in the rich tapestry of the XL jubilee edition of the \u201cTheatre City\u201d festival. The grand opening will commence on June 30th<\/sup> at 8 PM<\/strong>, the clue for it being the illumination of the historic square before the centuries-old walls of Budva\u2019s Old Town. The festival is to set off with the evocative, both dance and music \u00a0performance titled \u201cNo\u0107 Skuplja Vijeka<\/strong>\u201d (A Night More Precious Than a Century<\/strong>). The ahead-of-its time artist Igor Kirov is responsible for direction and choreography. This deeply touching piece marks a brilliant new co-production between the \u201cTheatre City\u201d Budva and the \u201cBITEF Theatre\u201d from Belgrade.<\/p>\n

Spanning over 55 not easily forgotten days, which are like a breadth of fresh air, and that from June 30 to August 23<\/strong>, the 40th<\/sup><\/strong> jubilee \u201cTheatre City\u201d festival is to put before the audience somewhat over 68 artistic programs. These events are to take place on \u00a0the Stage Between Churches<\/strong>, within the embrace of Santa Maria Church<\/strong>, at Poets\u2019 Square<\/strong>, and \u00a0all along the ancient streets of the Old Town<\/strong>, to the open square before the fortress walls, within the tranquil amphitheater of the Stanjevi\u0107i Monastery,<\/strong> and finally upon that stone of Mogren Fortress <\/strong>that has stood the test of time and bears manifold secrets.<\/p>\n

At the time of the festival, the audience will be given a chance to be a part of the well-known local, regional, and international programs, encompassing theatrical performances, concerts, literary evenings, exhibitions, and multimedia events. This year\u2019s artistic concept is deeply rooted in Budva\u2019s rich cultural and historical heritage, anchored by the premieres of the two original plays: Chiara Zorzi<\/em>, directed by Ana Vukoti\u0107, and Theft, Re-Theft and Un-Theft, directed by Vida Ognjenovi\u0107. Concurrently, the festival still upholds a sensible view of the contemporary artistic practices, giving the audience unique programs that dwell upon pressing social and cultural themes through modern expressions as well as innovative forms.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s festival takes the following motto \u201cQuakes and Flatters Ever Since<\/strong>\u201d inspired by Vida Ognjenovi\u0107\u2019s latest dramatic project.<\/p>\n

Thinking through a slogan to fit this year\u2019s festival edition accordingly, we could not escape the fact that we have the responsibility of obtaining \u00a0forty years of festival experience behind us. We can all agree that it is an important milestone \u00a0calling for both remembrance, awareness of its long tradition, in addition to the never-ending quest for a kind of \u00a0certain new poetics. Considering the fact that an audience of \u00a0refined \u00a0taste expects from each new festival edition not only a confirmation of its already-established aesthetic direction, but also an insight into new forms and expressions across all artistic disciplines forming the program\u2019s backbone, the phrase \u201cquakes and flatters ever since\u201d resonates, we believe, with all these strands of thought.<\/p>\n

First of all, the meaning of the syntagm is contextually grounded, as it is intrinsically linked to Ljubi\u0161a\u2019s own language and his roots. Furthermore, the phrase is a variation of the title of a theater production that has become deeply embedded in the \u201cTheatre City\u201d Festival\u2019s identity. Namely, led by the cultural heritage of town such as Budva, Vida Ognjenovi\u0107 continued, in 1994, to explore a variety of themes and motifs in Ljubi\u0161a\u2019s literature. Those were works of art \u00a0springing up from tales of local historical events and legends, written in the distinctive dialect of the region of Budva. Drawing upon Ljubi\u0161a\u2019s autobiographical data and the words he collected and noted throughout his life, she penned the dramatic text for the playlet Trus i trepet<\/em><\/strong> (Quakes and Flatters Ever Since<\/em><\/strong>)<\/em>. Following the tradition of an active quest, as well as a need for new ideas inspired by local culture, she also directed such piece for the festival\u2019s eight edition (Cast: Svetozar Cvetkovi\u0107, Stela \u0106etkovi\u0107, Branislav Zeremski).<\/p>\n

Furthermore, in the spirit of nurturing tradition and commissioned by the \u201cTheatre City\u201d, Vida Ognjenovi\u0107 wrote a new piece for the jubilee 40th<\/sup> festival edition. Titled Kra\u0111a<\/strong>, prekra\u0111a<\/strong> i<\/strong> nekra\u0111a<\/strong> (The Theft, Re-Theft and Un-Theft)<\/strong>. The play was inspired by the motifs of one of Ljubi\u0161a\u2019s \u00a0novellas that always hits close to home- titled \u00a0Kra\u0111a i prekra\u0111a zvona<\/strong> (The<\/strong> Theft<\/strong> and<\/strong> Re-Theft<\/strong> of<\/strong> the<\/strong> Bell<\/strong>). This tale of, at the first sight seemingly distinct personalities, sharing an identical mentality, makes use of \u00a0dynamic and comical twists to reveal the universality of human destiny, character and behavior. Whilst capturing the unique traits of the people from Ljubi\u0161a\u2019s homeland, at the same time it also showcases yet another way of adapting the text to the dramatic and poetic standards of the modern times.<\/p>\n

As far as we are concerned, we can now conclude with certainty the that the aforementioned syntagm can also be used for \u00a0a time span covering the area of meaning from \u201ctime immemorial\u201d to the one signifying the metaphor \u201cfrom the very beginning\u201d.<\/p>\n

This suggests a notion of a quality \u00a0deeply rooted in collective memory and resilient against all changes brought about by time itself- \u00a0something that has long ago become the reality of the festival itself. That being said , the syntagm implies the dynamic experience of generations, shaped by the geographical features of Budva and Montenegro, as well as the socio-historical events at this Mediterranean crossroad of Eastern and Western cultures.<\/p>\n

Having taken all this \u00a0into account, the slogan is to emphasize the spatial and temporal continuum of the \u201cTheatre City\u201d festival, in addition to the \u00a0consistency of its aesthetic aspirations through the decades, and the uniqueness of each festival edition. Year after year, in accordance with the current poetic tendencies, the festival strives to introduce brand-new perspectives in presenting of \u00a0and perceiving artistic content. Suffice it to say that the very essence of catharsis lies in the distinctive sense of a certain vital rhythm it evokes, at the same time bringing to life the \u00a0profoundly human tremors and moments of serenity.<\/p>\n

The visual identity of the jubilee festival, the author of which is Merin Smailagi\u0107, is an attempt to stir in us a memory, and is conceived as a visual time machine disclosing the symbols of the past milestones through geometric structures. With the use of a fusion of Arabic and Roman numerals, Mediterranean gradients, and typographic layering, it conveys the message that the festival successfully blends four decades of modern theatrical expression with Budva\u2019s ancient code itself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE DRAMA PROGRAMME<\/strong><\/p>\n

Celebrating its milestone 40th<\/sup> edition, the \u201cTheatre City\u201d festival once again reaffirms its position as one of the region\u2019s greatest theatre sanctuaries, offering audiences a rich tapestry of premiers, festival co-productions, and guest performances by theatre companies from all across the country, region, as well as abroad. The festival\u2019s theatrical lineup will bring together 23 distinct titles, including three festival premieres.<\/p>\n

It is set to open with the premiere of the dance and music spectacle \u201cA Night More Precious Than a Century<\/strong>\u201d, a new co-production between the \u201cTheatre City\u201d and the BITEF Theatre, directed and choreographed by Igor Kirov. The \u00a0inspiration for it being taken from Njego\u0161\u2019s poem of the same name, the performance utilizes contemporary dance, music and poetic imagery so as to explore the relationship between love, art, transience, and eternity. That way it \u00a0establishes a scenic dialogue with some of the most intriguing motifs from the life and work of Petar II Petrovi\u0107 Njego\u0161.<\/p>\n

Among this year\u2019s premieres is the production \u201cTheft<\/strong>, Re-Theft<\/strong> and<\/strong> Un<\/strong>–Theft<\/strong>\u201d, a co-production of the \u201cTheatre City\u201d and the City Theatre Podgorica. Written and directed by Vida Ognjenovi\u0107, the play draws inspiration from Stefan Mitrov Ljubi\u0161a\u2019s short story \u201cThe Theft and Re-Theft of the Bell\u201d. Infused with a distinct Mediterranean spirit, the piece examines questions of morality, social values, and collective identity, while establishing a direct connection to Budva\u2019s cultural heritage and the overarching motto of this year\u2019s festival.<\/p>\n

The audience will also have a chance to experience the premiere of the play \u201cChiara Zorzi<\/em><\/strong>\u201d, a co-production between the \u201cTheatre City\u201d and the \u201cRoyal Theatre Zetski Dom\u201d. It features the first-ever staging of the text by Ljubomir \u0110urkovi\u0107 and direction by Ana Vukoti\u0107. The plot of the play being simultaneously set between Budva and Venice at the end of the 18th<\/sup> century, it addresses questions of identity, freedom, and belonging through a story of theatre, politics and social relations.<\/p>\n

The program is to also encompass the \u00a0three co-productions of the \u201cTheatre City\u201d from previous seasons, presenting the audience once again with the opportunity to witness the guided walk performance \u201cThe<\/em><\/strong> Unreal<\/strong> City<\/strong><\/em>\u201d by author and director Vuk R\u0161umovi\u0107, the international co-production \u201cThe<\/em><\/strong> Life<\/strong> of<\/strong> Provincial<\/strong> Playboys<\/strong> After<\/strong> World<\/strong> War<\/strong> II<\/strong><\/em>\u201d (\u201c\u017divot<\/em><\/strong> provincijskih<\/strong> plejboja<\/strong> nakon<\/strong> Drugog<\/strong> svjetskog<\/strong> rata<\/strong><\/em>), based on the text by Du\u0161an Jovanovi\u0107 and directed by Ivan Penovi\u0107, as well as the play \u201cTreasure<\/em><\/strong> Island<\/strong><\/em>\u201d (\u201cOstrvo<\/em><\/strong> sa<\/strong> blagom<\/strong>\u201d<\/em>), directed by Kokan Mladenovi\u0107, an exciting theatrical adventure inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson\u2019s novel, which is a co-production between \u201cTheatre City\u201d and \u201cDu\u0161ko Radovi\u0107\u201d Little Theatre from Belgrade.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It is a plan for this year\u2019s drama program to be \u00a0further enriched by a series of prominent regional productions. On the night following the opening ceremony, the theatrical repertoire is set to continue, with Rade<\/strong> \u0160erbed\u017eija\u2019s<\/strong> performance in one of the most legendary monodramas in the history of Yugoslav and Croatian theatre, My Showdown with Them<\/em><\/strong>. Based on the text by Miroslav Krle\u017ea and directed by Dino Radojevi\u0107, the production achieved an astonishing number of 2,000 performances between its premiere in 1974 and 1991.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the Gavella City Drama Theatre from Zagreb will present The Mediterranean Breviary<\/em>, on the Waves of Radio Mediteran<\/em>,<\/strong> an authorial project by Pavlica Bajsic Brazzoduro and inspired by Predrag Matvejevi\u0107\u2019s Mediterranean<\/em><\/strong> Breviary<\/strong><\/em> and Olja Savi\u010devi\u0107 Ivan\u010devi\u0107\u2019s Stories from the Neighbouring Port<\/em><\/strong> (Portulan<\/em><\/strong>). The Croatian National Theatre in Vara\u017edin is set to guest- perform with Waiting for Orestes<\/em><\/strong>, directed by Livija Pandur. It offers a contemporary interpretation of the aforesaid ancient myth.<\/p>\n

The repertoire will also feature the National Theatre of Republika Srpska presenting Milena Markovic\u2019s Tracks<\/em><\/strong>, directed by Milan Ne\u0161kovi\u0107. The National Theatre in Sombor will guest with their latest production, Mate Mati\u0161i\u0107\u2019s My Sad Monsters<\/em>,<\/strong> directed by Ivan Vanja Ala\u010d. Among the visiting ensembles is the Serbian National Theatre with Joseph Kesselring\u2019s Arsenic and Old Lace<\/em><\/strong>, directed by Petar Jovanovi\u0107.<\/p>\n

The Belgrade Drama Theatre will appear with More Than a Game<\/em><\/strong>, directed by Ivan Vukovi\u0107, a theatrical interpretation of a famous television series based on the work of Slobodan Stojanovi\u0107. The National Theatre in Belgrade will present The Humor Central<\/em> <\/strong>by \u0110or\u0111e Kosi\u0107, directed by Olja \u0110or\u0111evi\u0107- a piece inspired by true events from occupied Belgrade during World War II, as well as the opera Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs<\/em><\/strong>, directed by Ana Grigorovi\u0107- a musical adaptation of the famous fairy tale imagined as an introduction of the youngest audiences to the world of opera through play, imagination, and music. Finally, Bergam Art will present The Spanish Fool<\/em><\/strong>, an intermedia drama adapted by Marija Bergam based on the motifs from Henry de Montherlant\u2019s play The Cardinal of Spain<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A significant place in the program is to fall upon productions from Montenegro. The Montenegrin National Theatre will present the play Gideon\u2019s Knot<\/em><\/strong>, directed by Ivan Vanja Ala\u010d, alongside the play centered around \u00a0inclusivity The Stain<\/em>.<\/strong> The play is directed by Branka Ota\u0161evi\u0107, promoting the acceptance of diversity, empathy, and togetherness through play, movement, and the authentic as well as imaginative staging. The Tivat Culture Center brings us the award-winning play Mirandolina<\/em><\/strong> by Carlo Goldoni, directed by Tatjana Mandi\u0107 Rigonat. Arriving from Italy is a Modena-based production by Azzura D\u2019Agostino titled The Errant Aviator and the Little Prince<\/em><\/strong>, directed by Stefano T\u00e8. Concurrently, towards the end of the festival, we will divert \u00a0our attention to the contemporary Slovak art scene as the DPOH City Theatre from Bratislava guest-performs with the play Generation Z: The Unseen Beauty<\/em><\/strong>, directed by Zuzana Fialov\u00e1. The contemporary Slovak poetry will be discussed in the Poets\u2019 Square by Erik Ondreji\u010dka and Martin Prebu\u0111ila. The festival will draw to a close with the musical Kao Kaka<\/em><\/strong>o<\/em> (Like Cocoa<\/em><\/strong>), a recent North Macedonian production inspired by the music of Vlatko Stefanovski and directed by Dejan Projkovski.<\/p>\n

MUSIC PROGRAMME<\/strong><\/p>\n

The music program of this year\u2019s edition of the \u201cTheatre City\u201d festival offers us a diverse and carefully thought through series of concerts that bridge the gap between contemporary art, domestic musical heritage, and international collaborations in art. It once again makes clear the festival\u2019s commitment to offering the audience top-notch artistic content and novel concert experiences. A total of eleven festival evenings are to be dedicated to musical performances. The program will open with a concert by Rade \u0160erbed\u017eija and the \u201cZapadni Kolodvor\u201d ensemble, titled \u201cJesen sti\u017ee, dunjo moja<\/em><\/strong>\u201d (Autumn is Coming, My Dear<\/em><\/strong>). This is not just a concert; but a confession of a lifetime through the use of music and poetry. It is an evening that succeeds in successfully intertwining the Balkan tradition, poetic word, and the sound that knows no borders.<\/p>\n

A special place in the program is reserved for the premiere performances of the new works by Montenegrin authors. The audience will have the opportunity to witness the premiere of the pieces Europe Symphony<\/em><\/strong> and Oro<\/em><\/strong> by Darko Nik\u010devi\u0107 and Sr\u0111an Bulatovi\u0107, who will perform on the \u201cTheatre City\u201d stage alongside the \u201cBoka\u201d Symphony Orchestra. As part of these premiere performances, the work Pa\u0161trovi\u0107i Impressions<\/em>– Between Stone and Sea<\/em><\/strong> by composer Ivan Marovi\u0107 will also be presented. Commissioned by the festival and taking inspiration from the cultural heritage of the Pa\u0161trovi\u0107i region and the Budva area, the composition will be performed by the flutists \u017dana Leki\u0107 and Petra Leki\u0107, with piano accompaniment by Vladana Perovi\u0107. This performance is also to bring the music program to a close.<\/p>\n

The jubilee edition of the festival will also mark the collaboration with the \u201cKotorArt\u201d Festival. A cooperation agreement was signed earlier this year with the aim of interconnecting these two institutions of culture, at the same time giving the opportunity to both of these festivals to host the initial guest performances of these authentic programs. As part of this collaboration, the festival will feature the performances of a chamber opera for three female voices, chamber ensemble, and electronics, entitled \u201cThe Island<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n

Among the programs that intertwine tradition and contemporary expression, the concert by the \u201cBalkan Cellos\u201d ensemble- Cellusion Summer Tour<\/strong> especially stands out. Balkan Cellos <\/strong>is a group that presents a breadth of fresh air and comprises of eight cellists and one percussionist. The visionary and artistic director behind the project is Dmitry Prokofiev, while the initiative was launched by the International Association of Music and Performing Arts of Montenegro. With the use of original arrangements, the ensemble brings to life the musical heritage of the Balkans as well as that of diverse cultures from around the world. This year, the festival will feature another cello ensemble called Tree Cellos<\/strong>, which will present to the audience their unique \u00a0concert titled \u201cFrom Silence to Storm<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n

The ones who love chamber music will also have the unique opportunity to enjoy the piece \u201cSummer Reflections<\/strong>\u201d, bringing together pianists Deana Patakovi\u0107 and Milica Lundin, the visual segment being complemented by the art photographer Maja \u0110uri\u0107. The concert will feature a piece for four hands by the young composer Dra\u0161ko Ad\u017ei\u0107, written specially for this occasion. As part of the festival, violinist Slaven Knezovi\u0107 will perform, accompanied by Jelena Dobrkovi\u0107 on piano. The concert \u201cMusical Pearls of Montenegro<\/strong>\u201d is to include authentic pieces as well as those arrangements of traditional Montenegrin music, the audience also being introduced to the MAT Trio. A significant segment of the program will be the concert \u201cBudva Performs<\/strong>\u201d, dedicated to the opus of the Montenegrin composer Senad Ga\u010devi\u0107. This concert gathers performers of various generations- from primary and secondary music school students to the already-established artists- showcasing the richness of Budva\u2019s music scene, whose development over the past four decades has been profoundly influenced by the \u201cTheatre City\u201d festival. The international dimension of the program is further enhanced by the performance of the renowned Czech violist Jitka Hosprov\u00e1, who, alongside Montenegrin pianist Andrija Jovovi\u0107, is to give a concert titled \u201cGo Man: The Rhythm of Freedom<\/strong>\u201d. Prepared on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the restoration of Montenegro\u2019s independence, this program explores themes of identity, freedom, and cultural dialogue through the works of Montenegrin and European composers. In the Church of Santa Maria in Punta<\/strong>, the audience will also have the chance to attend the concert titled \u201cFratres<\/strong>\u201d, performed by the violinist Viktor Huter and pianist Sofija Jovi\u0107.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VISUAL\u00a0 ARTS\u00a0 PROGRAM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two exhibitions are scheduled <\/strong>for this year\u2019s festival. The visual arts program of the \u201cTheatre City\u201d Festival will open on July 13th<\/sup> <\/strong>with the exhibition \u201cWord and Thought<\/strong>: The Big Abstract Painting\u201d <\/strong>by artist Irena Lagator Pejovi\u0107<\/strong>. The exhibition features a large-format wall installation comprised of books from the pocket edition \u201cWord and Thought<\/strong>\u201d by the \u201cRad\u201d publishing company- one of the most significant publishing series of the former Yugoslavia- its distinctive red covers forming a monochromatic abstract image. The fact that it is being presented during the festival\u2019s jubilee year, gives the exhibition an additional symbolic dimension. In the words of the artist: \u201cThe festival was born at a time when the cultural currents that\u00a0 produced these books still existed, yet it was all already on the precipice of profound social and political changes. Four decades later, the installation serves as an initiator of \u00a0a dialogue across different generations of the audience. There are those who remember these books, then those who inherited them through family libraries, and in the end \u00a0those who are to encounter them for the first time, thus creating space to reflect on what we preserve of our shared cultural heritage and what we shall consign to oblivion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another authentic multimedia exhibition, titled \u201cEquilibrium<\/strong>\u201d, by the artist Sini\u0161a Radulovi\u0107 <\/strong>and curator Svetlana Racanovi\u0107, <\/strong>is scheduled for August 4th<\/sup> <\/strong>and represents another original production of this year\u2019s festival. This exhibition has been thought through specifically for the jubilee edition of the festival and is to take place at \u00a0the unique venue of the Church Santa Maria in Punta<\/strong>. Both exhibitions will be staged in the Church of Santa Maria.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

LITERARY PROGRAMME<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our landmark jubilee edition has inspired a truly distinct approach to viewing this year\u2019s literary programme. Over the course of 16 evenings devoted to literature at the Poets\u2019 Square, we will continue to draw new literary worlds and poetics, exploring genre directions and the places where they come together creatively, while also reflecting on the profound significance of this four-decade milestone. On this occassion, our journey will traverse interdisciplinary realms that almost organically intertwine literature with other artistic expressions, as well as the broad spectrum of social sciences.<\/p>\n

The opening night at the Poets\u2019 Square<\/strong> will be dedicated to the literary oeuvre of Sr\u0111an Dragojevi\u0107<\/strong>. Whilst being widely celebrated as the director responsible for anthology films that have set the foundations of contemporary cinema and shaped the upbringing of entire generations, Dragojevi\u0107 also succeeded in maintaining a continuous presence in the literary world. His literary journey began back in 1986, when he was awarded the prestigious \u201cBranko\u201d Award for The Book of Action Poetry<\/em><\/strong> (Knjiga akcione poezije<\/em><\/strong>), <\/em>and goes all the way back to \u00a0his latest novel Pasha<\/em><\/strong> (Pa\u0161a<\/em><\/strong>,2026<\/strong><\/em>). This recent work explores the history of Montenegro and is to be amongst the focal points of discussion at this year\u2019s Poets\u2019 Square.<\/p>\n

We are also thrilled to welcome Kruno Lokotar, one of Croatia\u2019s most prominent literary editors, critics, authors, and publicists. At the Poets\u2019 Square, Mr. Lokotar will present Limited Edition<\/em><\/strong> (2025), a work rich with autobiographical elements. In it, the author eloquently captures what it truly means to live as a part of, for, and by literature as well as \u00a0culture in this region.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the Poets\u2019 Square, we will also present the new poetry collection Fantaskop<\/em><\/strong> (Phantascope<\/strong>, 2025<\/strong>) <\/em>by Nadija Rebronja, published by the renowned Kraljevo library \u201cPovelja\u201d. The collection\u2019s intriguing composition- conceptualized around an imaginary airplane flight where each poem takes its title from a seat number and a film the imaginary passenger is watching- as well as the breadth of themes through which the author questions the challenges of contemporary existence, have already garnered the attention of both critics and readers.<\/p>\n

This year, the Poets\u2019 Square will also host an author\u2019s evening dedicated to the prominent poet Andrija Radulovi\u0107. As one of Montenegro\u2019s most translated poets, he will discuss his poetry and announce his new collection, while also reflecting on last year\u2019s publication of Aleksandar \u0106ukovi\u0107\u2019s study, Poetski<\/em><\/strong> svjetovi<\/strong> Andrije<\/strong> Radulovi\u0107a<\/strong> <\/em>(The<\/em><\/strong> Poetic<\/strong> Worlds<\/strong> of<\/strong> Andrija<\/strong> Radulovi\u0107<\/strong>)<\/em>, which examines his poetic oeuvre to date. Furthermore, this year at the Square, we are to reflect also on the contemporary socio-economic moment by presenting the essay collection Kraj<\/em><\/strong> kapitalizma?<\/strong> <\/em>(The<\/em><\/strong> End<\/strong> of<\/strong> Capitalism?,<\/strong> 2026<\/strong>)<\/em> by Katarina Peovi\u0107. Through her writings, the author examines the relationship between labor and capital, the redistribution of both economic resources and power politics, while raising questions about the meaning of democracy and the future of the world in the face of eroding public systems, the undermining of labor rights, and deepening class divides.<\/p>\n

At the Square, Nenad \u0160aponja, winner of this year\u2019s \u201cMe\u0161a Selimovi\u0107\u201d Award, will speak about his award-winning poetry collection The<\/em><\/strong> Twin<\/strong> of<\/strong> Time<\/strong> <\/em>(Blizanac<\/em><\/strong> vremena<\/strong>, 2025<\/strong>)<\/em>. Continuing his exploration of the mysteries of the soul, \u0160aponja uses his award-winning book to illustrate\u00a0 his auto poetic foundations in writing poetry , which he considers \u201cperhaps the most demanding discipline of the spirit\u201d.<\/p>\n

Vladimir Pi\u0161talo, in his constant quest to re-define the boundaries of narrative genres, presents his collection of travel stories Harbors<\/em><\/strong> (Luke<\/em><\/strong>, 2025<\/strong><\/em>) at the Square this year. This collection masterfully continues the travelogue tradition aiming to treat travelling \u00a0not only through the lens of \u00a0tourist attractions, but as a distinctive spiritual transformation of the traveler.<\/p>\n

Also featured at the Square this year is the edition of the Selected<\/em><\/strong> Works<\/strong> <\/em>of Vladimir Vuki\u0107evi\u0107, a long-time professor of philosophy at German and Montenegrin universities. It has been published as a cooperation between the renowned CID publishing house and the University of Donja Gorica. This three volume edition brings together several studies: Logic and Time- in the Phenomenological Philosophy of Martin Heidegger, Sophocles and Heidegger, and C\u00e9zanne\u2019s Realization- Painting and the Task of Thinking<\/em><\/strong>. \u00a0The honor of speaking on the significance of the edition, its contribution to contemporary philosophy and aesthetics, as well as the scientific legacy of Professor Vuki\u0107evi\u0107, fell upon the Academician Dragan Vuk\u010devi\u0107, Prof. Dr. Luka Rakojevi\u0107, and Prof. Dr. Vladimir Vujo\u0161evi\u0107.<\/p>\n

We are honored to present this year at the Square the Collected Works of Boro Dra\u0161kovi\u0107<\/strong>, a director whose productions form an integral part of the \u201cTheatre City\u201d Festival\u2019s identity. We remember Boro Dra\u0161kovi\u0107\u2019s directorial work through numerous guest performances by his classes from the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, as well as through the famous production of Antigone<\/em><\/strong> in<\/strong> New<\/strong> York<\/strong><\/em>, directed by Dra\u0161kovi\u0107 for the purposes of the festival in 2000. Mr. Dra\u0161kovi\u0107- a theatre and film director, writer, screenwriter, and university professor- will speak about his rich creative experience and the legacy this edition leaves for future generations of artists. The author will be joined in conversation by directors Boris Lije\u0161evi\u0107 and Darko Baji\u0107.<\/p>\n

The jubilee edition continues with a conversation with Vida Ognjenovi\u0107, who, at the sign of \u201cTheatre City\u201d, has continued her exploration of the cultural heritage of the Budva region this year. On this occasion, Ognjenovi\u0107 has written the drama Theft<\/em><\/strong>, Re<\/strong>–Theft<\/strong> and<\/strong> Non<\/strong>–Theft<\/strong><\/em>, inspired by Stjepan Mitrov Ljubi\u0161a\u2019s short story The<\/em><\/strong> Theft<\/strong> and<\/strong> Re<\/strong>–Theft<\/strong> of<\/strong> the<\/strong> Bell<\/strong>.<\/em> We will gather at the Square to discuss her interpretation of this concrete cycle of\u00a0 themes about Budva, she has been contextualizing for forty years, all in alignment with contemporary dramatic and directorial poetics, as well as the current social climate.<\/p>\n

The authorial and editorial work of Mihajlo Panti\u0107 has also left its mark on the festival\u2019s literary program. This time, we speak with the author about that contemporary moment in literature, the attitude towards the literary text of both the writer\u00a0 and the university professor, editorial challenges encountered, as well as his latest published titles.<\/p>\n

Vladimir Vujovi\u0107, the recent recipient of a special recognition at the European Union Prize for Literature, is presenting his novel Conversations with a Witch<\/em><\/strong> (Razgovori<\/em><\/strong> sa<\/strong> Vje\u0161ticom<\/strong>, 2025, <\/em>shortlisted for the NIN Award) at the Square this year. Through a specific composition of ten distinctly stylized conversations, the novel outlines what has been described as an artist\u2019s \u201cintrospective odyssey\u201d in understanding ones position in the world. Praised by critics for its \u201cauthentic\u201d voice, philosophical depth , and emotional maturity\u201d, Vujovi\u0107 returns to the audience in Budva to discuss his understanding of literature. At the Square, we are \u00a0also to speak with Oto Horvat on the occasion of the publication of his new collection of meditative prose, Moments 1-49<\/em> <\/strong>(Momenti<\/em><\/strong> 1<\/strong>–49<\/strong>, 2025<\/strong><\/em>). Naturally, the discussion will also encompass the author\u2019s rich narrative and poetic opus to date, which continuously expands genre boundaries, while remaining consistently true to a lyrical perception of the world and humanity.<\/p>\n

Enes Halilovi\u0107, this year\u2019s laureate of the prestigious \u201cBeogradski pobjednik\u201d (The Belgrade Victor) award, is already well-known to the reading audience in Budva. Since his award-winning novel \u201cBekos<\/strong>\u201d (2025<\/strong>) has already been discussed, this time we will look back at Halilovi\u0107\u2019s entire literary oeuvre, which continuously captures the attention of both critics and readers alike. We are to speak with the author about his literary beginnings and the changes in the phases of creation, as well as his dedication to nurturing literary culture, both through his own writing and through editing the renowned journal SENT <\/strong>and managing the Eckermann <\/strong>portal.<\/p>\n

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Looking at the regional literary scene, the Square will also present the novel Turneja \u00a0(The Tour)<\/strong> by the North Macedonian writer Sa\u0161o Ognenovski<\/strong>, which employs the methods \u00a0of genre fiction to metaphorically reexamine the values of the contemporary phases of artistic practice. Ognenovski is a versatile creator in the theater area and the editor of the Macedonian journal \u201cKnji\u017eevni elementi\u201d (\u201cLiterary Elements\u201d)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As part of the programme showcasing the contemporary Slovak art scene, the literary program introduces the work of the\u00a0 Slovak poet Erik Ondreji\u010dka<\/strong>. Through his poetry, Ondreji\u010dka emphasizes the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of verse, writing about universal values and the position of the poet in the modern world while continuing to cherish meter and rhyme as some of the most subtle forms of poetic expression.<\/p>\n

An immeasurable contribution this year is once again made by writers, literary critics, theorists and professors who will moderate the evenings at the Square: Dubravka Dragovi\u0107 \u0160ehovi\u0107, Jagna Poga\u010dnik, Vladislava Gordi\u0107 Petkovi\u0107, Aleksandar \u0106ukovi\u0107, Marijan Krivak, Nenad \u0160aponja, Bo\u017eena Jelu\u0161i\u0107, Gojko Bo\u017eovi\u0107, Igor Peri\u0161i\u0107, Danka Ivanovi\u0107, Vesna Triji\u0107, Nikola Nikoli\u0107, and Martin Prebu\u0111ila<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Since literature consistently proves to be a desired field of action- primarily as a way of affirming the values standard of human existence- we hope to capture the attention not only of established readers and the loyal audience of\u00a0 the \u201cTheatre City\u201d <\/strong>Festival\u2019s literary program, but also of the wider public, who would thereby make a constructive contribution to the Square\u2019s programs in this jubilee year.<\/p>\n

The \u201cTheatre City\u201d Press Office<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This summer, the lovers of art and culture are invited to partake in the rich tapestry of the XL jubilee edition of the \u201cTheatre City\u201d festival. The grand opening will commence on June 30th at 8 PM, the clue for it being the illumination of the historic square before the centuries-old walls of Budva\u2019s Old…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":77673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[208],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-81478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-novosti-en","category-208","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81478","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81478"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81478\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81479,"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81478\/revisions\/81479"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81478"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81478"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gradteatar.me\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81478"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}