The monodrama “My Name Is Lidija Deduš”, written, directed, and performed by Miljka Brđanin, and the play “Same Time, Years Later” by Bernard Slade, starring Zlata Numanagić and Branko Đurić, were performed this evening as part of the competition programme at the 30th International Festival of Small Stages and Monodrama in East Sarajevo.
After her performance, Brđanin told reporters that taking on a monodrama was the greatest initial challenge, noting that although she has long experience in theatre, stepping into a fully independent stage expression is a major leap. She said she is glad she embraced this challenge and emphasised the strong support she received from her collaborators.
Brđanin explained that she coincidentally met Lidija Deduš in person, which opened the creative space for developing the monodrama. The play explores the life of a woman over 40 who confronts the pressures of modern and digital society and the expectations placed upon her—often misaligned with her own desires and needs.
Ahead of the performance of Slade’s play “Same Time, Years Later” by Belgrade’s Slavija Theatre, Đurić explained that this work is a continuation of Slade’s earlier play “Same Time, Next Year”. In the original version, the roles were played by Milan Lane Gutović and Nela Mihajlović, while he and Numanagić portray the characters in their later years.
Đurić described the story as following two people who meet once a year in a hotel for a weekend affair, while each maintains a family of their own. The plot unfolds through the intertwining of their private lives and shared relationship. He highlighted the refined English humour present in the play—subtle rather than overt, offering audiences a richer experience.
“This is a story about love and everyday life. By the end of the play, the two characters even get married,” Đurić said.
The International Festival of Small Stages and Monodrama concludes on 6 December with the announcement of the winners and a non-competitive performance of “The Dinner Game” by the Youth Theatre Sarajevo.
Source: RTRS
