The 27th “Petar Kočić” Theater Fest opened last night in Banja Luka with the spectacle “Ballet Night” performed by the Ballet of the National Theatre in Belgrade. The festival, held under the patronage of the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, will run until June 13.
Among those in attendance were Serb member and Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željka Cvijanović, Republika Srpska Minister of Finance Zora Vidović, Rector of the University of Banja Luka Radoslav Gajanin, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ranko Škrbić, and Director of the University Clinical Center of Republika Srpska Vlado Đajić.
Cvijanović called on citizens to make the most of the cultural and artistic atmosphere in Banja Luka and to attend the “Petar Kočić” Theater Fest, emphasizing that Serbia supports Republika Srpska in all fields, including culture.
“I am here to support all those working in the field of culture—artists, creators, and those who ensure that culture lives on in Republika Srpska. I am especially pleased when we join forces with Serbia. We must value the remarkable people and talented artists in Banja Luka and throughout Srpska. As citizens, we should support their efforts to make our lives more beautiful,” said Cvijanović.
The Director of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska, Dijana Grbić, stated that this year’s Theater Fest includes numerous accompanying programs.
“In the competitive program, we have five performances and a large number of side programs aimed at the younger population,” Grbić noted, adding that tickets are sold out but those interested can still try to get one.
The evening at the packed “Borik” hall was enhanced by stars of the Ballet of the National Theatre in Belgrade, who performed fragments from timeless ballet classics such as “Swan Lake,” “La Bayadère,” and “Le Corsaire.”
“Swan Lake,” a masterpiece by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed by the Ballet of the National Theatre in Belgrade, is one of the most important works of the classical ballet repertoire.
“La Bayadère,” inspired by the exotic Orient, is set to music by Ludwig Minkus, while “Le Corsaire” is a grand production by the Ballet of the National Theatre in Belgrade, which premiered in March 2023 in honor of the ensemble’s centennial.
The competitive section of this year’s “Petar Kočić” Theater Fest will be held from Tuesday to Saturday, June 3–7, under the slogan “Beneath the surface.”
The festival will be officially opened on Tuesday, June 3, at 8:00 p.m. at the National Theatre of Republika Srpska, with an opening speech by acclaimed actress Nataša Ninković.
Following the opening, the Bosnian National Theatre will perform the play “Acid” by Asja Krsmanović, directed by Nermin Hamzagić, officially launching the competitive part of the program featuring five plays from BiH and the region.
Source: RTRS
