The ensemble of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska performed in Russia, in the city of Kazan, on the Grand Stage of the Tatar State Academic Theatre Galiaskar Kamal, staging the play Švabica.
This cultural exchange was made possible through the cooperation of the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, the Ministry of Education and Culture of Republika Srpska, and the Ministry of Culture of Tatarstan.
The impressive theatre hall of the Grand Stage of the Tatar State Academic Theatre Galiaskar Kamal, with more than 700 seats, was completely full. The audience followed the performance via simultaneous translation, after which a standing ovation ensued.
Dijana Grbić, director of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska, stated immediately after the performance that with the sincere language of culture, no matter how different it may be, one can always reach the audience.
“To perform a play in your own language, to be accepted in this way, and then, after minutes of applause, to have people approach you with genuine enthusiasm for the play—that is the essence of cultural diplomacy and exchange of such programs. You realize how, with the sincere language of culture, no matter how different it may be, you can connect with the audience,” emphasized Grbić.
This cultural event was attended by a high-level delegation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, led by Minister Irada Khafizyanova Ayupova.
Viktoria Dautova, head of the Department for International and Interregional Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, warmly welcomed the performance of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska in Kazan.
“Everyone enjoyed it immensely, and all applauded standing. It was truly fascinating and we are very grateful. I would like to add that in October our puppet theatre plans to visit your city to participate in an international theatre festival. I truly hope our dialogue will continue,” said Dautova.
For the actors of the National Theatre, performing at the Kamal Theatre in Kazan was an extraordinary experience, both because of the impressive stage technology and the excellent connection with the audience. This was especially true for Branislav Aleksić, a fourth-year acting student at the Academy of Arts in Banja Luka, who played one of the leading roles.
“This was truly a great experience. To perform in such a theatre, before more than 700 people, and to receive such powerful applause. Perhaps older colleagues have experienced this before, but for me it is truly something special. The audience followed us through simultaneous translation, reacted wonderfully—we felt them, and they felt us. It was really beautiful,” said Aleksić.
The National Theatre of Republika Srpska will perform again tonight on the Grand Stage of the Tatar State Academic Theatre Galiaskar Kamal, for the second night in a row.
With this, it will be written into the history of the Kamal Theatre as the first theatre from outside Russia to perform on their new stage.
Source: RTRS
