The Cultural and Educational Center Novi Grad, with the support of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Republika Srpska, has published the collection “Heritage of Potkozarje and Podgrmec, Novi Grad and Surroundings,” as a result of years-long research of songs, dances, folk costumes, and customs of this region.
Danka Maran, a cultural education center collaborator, told SRNA that the Cultural and Artistic Society (KUD) “Una” is seriously engaged in the theme of games and songs of Potkozarje.
“Previously, there was no choreographic presentation that included the song, dance, and folk costume of Potkozarje. Our idea was to unify the data collected in the field. Since one part of our municipality is in Potkozarje and the other in Podgrmec, we covered that area as well,” said Maran.
According to her, initially, it was envisioned to publish a script, but due to the large amount of data, a printed collection was produced.
KUD “Una” choreographer Siniša Jovanović said that in 2013, the implementation of the choreography project “Games and Songs of Nove Potkozarje” began due to the specific song ojkača.
“At the European Showcase of the Serb Diaspora in Niš in 2013, we presented the choreography ‘Games and Songs of Nove Potkozarje’ for the first time and won two special awards for the authenticity of the choreography and the best singing group,” said Jovanović.
He mentioned that the following year, work began on the choreography “Podgrmec” so that this cultural and artistic society would have its own personal map.
“For eight years, we have been representing our region with choreographies at European showcases in a unique way, which is our personal map,” added Jovanović.
The collection has been printed in 50 copies and distributed mainly to cultural and artistic societies, mostly in the diaspora. Due to interest, additional copies are planned to be printed, for which a way to secure funds is being sought.
Source: RTRS
