The 69th Festival of Festivals, showcasing some of the region’s finest amateur theatre productions, officially opened in Trebinje with a performance of “The Agreement” by the Bijelo Polje Theatre, inspired by Branislav Nušić’s classic “The Bereaved Family.”
The production, which won this year’s Montenegrin Festival of Amateur Drama, offers a contemporary interpretation of Nušić’s renowned satire. While the story has been relocated to the 21st century, it continues to explore timeless themes of greed, hypocrisy, false morality, and family relationships strained by the prospect of inheritance. The adaptation also reflects the realities of contemporary Montenegro, where many young people are leaving in search of better opportunities.
Director Minja Novaković reimagined the classic work in a modern setting while preserving its central social critique. The production introduces a new perspective through younger characters who refuse to accept long-standing family conflicts as inevitable and instead seek alternative ways to resolve them.
By audience vote, Predrag Vukojević was named the standout performer of the festival’s opening night for his portrayal of Agaton.
Before the opening performance, the festival was officially inaugurated by Mirko Ćurić, Mayor of Trebinje and President of the Festival’s Artistic Council.
Welcoming theatre ensembles from Bijelo Polje, Valandovo, Kula, Banja Luka, Bogatić, and Maribor, Ćurić said that Trebinje has embraced the Festival of Festivals as its own for more than half a century, while participating theatre artists have come to regard the city as a second home.
“Our shared experience once again confirms that the bridges built through culture are unique and irreplaceable. That is why this festival has endured for so long and will continue to do so,” Ćurić said.
He also noted that this year’s edition marks the return of Slovenian amateur theatre to the festival for the first time since the early 1990s.
Looking ahead, Ćurić recalled that the festival will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year, describing it as a long-standing showcase of amateur theatre across the former Yugoslavia and a platform for fostering lasting artistic friendships.
As part of the accompanying programme, the Cultural Centre Gallery opened the exhibition “Gojko Šantić – An Actor of Powerful Stage Presence,” curated by Vesna Burojević, Director of the Museum of Theatre Arts of Serbia. The exhibition features photographs and archival material highlighting Šantić’s distinguished contribution to Serbian theatre.
Source: Nezavisne
