“When you’re performing a comedy, the responsibility is a bit greater. If the audience laughs, it’s a success. If they don’t – you’re nowhere.”
With these words, Saša Pantić, author and director of the hit comedy The Lady from the Second Ring (Gospođa iz kruga dvojke), staged by the Slavija Theatre from Belgrade and performed on Wednesday at the Cultural Centre in East Sarajevo, explained the essence of comedy. His play explores the search for love and comically portrays how money can buy many things—but not a soulmate.
Pantić noted that the venue in East Sarajevo is perfect for this play because the audience is only a meter away from the actors, allowing the energy exchange to be faster and more profound than in larger theatres. He emphasized that he chose the play’s title based on the constant division among Serbs—those from Vojvodina, Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Kosovo, or even Timișoara—and on a more local level, the divide between the “elite” Serbs from Belgrade’s second ring and those who are not.
“The ‘second ring’ refers to a posh part of Belgrade, home to older, classy ladies. This comedy follows one such lady—not quite elderly, in her early forties—who has never married because she hasn’t found her soulmate. She wants a man who can slam his fist on the table and take her to a classical music concert. That kind of man is hard to come by, and so, feeling misunderstood in her Belgrade neighborhood, she embarks on a quest for a husband,” said Pantić, inviting all those in need of a good laugh to join.
A stonemason and undertaker, her neighbor—played by Pantić—is madly in love with her and will do anything to become her husband.
“The title of the play hits the mark in relation to that division some made between people from the second ring and others. I’ve always belonged to the other side, so I decided to joke about it—all in the spirit of healthy humor and laughter,” Pantić added.
Having worked in comedy for many years, he believes that now more than ever, people need shows that will make them laugh and offer an escape from the bleakness of daily news, which spreads division and global misfortune that doesn’t spare our region either.
“If there was ever a time for humor, it’s now. We need to relax and be entertained. I believe that’s my purpose—as an artist, actor, and writer—to bring more color, joy, and laughter into the world. A day without laughter is a wasted day. I want the people of East Sarajevo to live longer from the laughter we’ve given them,” Pantić concluded.
Ivana Panzalović, who plays the titular lady searching for her soulmate, told Glas Srpske that the play reflects the eternal pursuit of an ideal that may not even exist—and may be right in front of us without us even realizing.
“We’re all searching for perfection in every sense: the perfect life, the perfect man or woman, the perfect job. But life usually shows us that it’s far simpler than we imagine—it all comes down to love,” said Panzalović.
She shared that theatre is only a small part of her career so far, but one she’s eager to explore further.
“Since graduating, I’ve mostly been a TV actress—mostly in series, a few films, and only briefly in theatre. I performed at Belgrade Drama Theatre years ago and have only now returned to the stage,” said Panzalović, adding that she believes every actor should perform in all three formats—film, television, and theatre.
She explained that although they may seem similar to some, acting on stage and on screen are vastly different experiences.
“Of course, times are such that we can’t always choose. Some say you can choose your roles, but I think that’s rarely the case—there are more actors than roles, despite the overproduction. I accept what’s offered, but I’ve been lucky to receive good roles,” said Panzalović, who is known for her roles in the series My Father’s Murderers (Ubice mog oca) and currently stars in Game of Destiny (Igra sudbine).
The Lady from the Second Ring is, for now, the only play she’s in—and she’s thrilled about it.
“The play took on a life of its own that we never expected. It all started as a friendly idea to work together again after a decade. Saša Pantić wrote and directed the play and invited me to join. I loved the script and agreed. The premiere was at Slavija Theatre, and it was phenomenal—we received great reviews,” she said.
Actor Andrija Kovač told Glas Srpske that the play is about a typical Belgrade lady who takes a long time to realize it’s time to get married. She is a wealthy woman from the iconic second ring, owns properties and bookstores, and is considered a “good catch.”
“There’s a neighbor hopelessly in love with her, and I play the surprise element of the show—a washed-up actor who is given an unexpected and challenging role in the plot,” said Kovač.
As an actor, Kovač feels a deeper connection with theatre. He’s part of the KPGT Theatre, where he works under founder and director Ljubiša Ristić.
“I feel at home in the theatre. That’s where I belong. Series are a challenge too, but theatre is my real love. In today’s world, laughter is essential, and we’re fortunate to have been in comedy for so long. Saša Pantić and I, along with the whole team, have been working together for years, and we’ve developed a recognizable style of humor. We know how to spot a good script, and we focus on the kind of humor that audiences understand without overthinking. The goal is for the audience to laugh throughout the show, not just a few times,” he noted.
He recalled performing various plays at the Cultural Centre, including the comedy Josip Broz, which also carries some cheeky messages.
“When the audience leaves the theatre smiling and satisfied—that’s the point. If anything is needed today, it’s laughter. Even medicine says laughter heals, and we’ve taken it upon ourselves to fulfill that task,” Kovač concluded.
Cultural Centre
Saša Pantić pointed out that his collaboration with the Cultural Centre of East Sarajevo has lasted 25 years. He’s performed children’s plays, comedies, and developed not only professional but also friendly ties with Centre Director Mladen Janković.
“East Sarajevo fills the soul, opens the eyes and heart. Since 2000, it has truly blossomed and expanded—and that’s what I love most. The hunger for culture here never fades, and the audience is demanding. They know what a good play is,” said Pantić.
Source: Glas Srpske
