Laktaši will host the 21st International Amateur Theatre Festival from June 22 to 28, 2026, one of the region’s most significant events dedicated to amateur theatre.
This year’s edition will bring together theatre ensembles from Republika Srpska, Serbia and Slovenia, presenting six carefully selected performances to audiences.
The festival will officially open on June 22 with the premiere of “Up and Down” by the Daske Amateur Theatre from Laktaši, written by Nenad Tadić and directed by Ognjen Todorović. The tragicomedy explores loneliness, alienation and the quiet inner struggles of contemporary individuals through the lives of ordinary people. Set between hope and despair, the play examines how far a person can go when left without support, understanding and a sense of belonging, while also addressing the breakdown of family relationships, social indifference and the consequences of unfulfilled ambitions.
Speaking on RTRS Morning Programme, Todorović said that everything is ready for the festival, emphasizing that the event would not be possible without the audience, whose attendance continues to grow year after year.
“Theatre itself has a very important role – to provide answers, but also to raise important questions,” Todorović said.
Discussing the play “Up and Down,” which will open the festival, actor Žarko Aničić noted that the process of building his character lasted six months.
“It is a person who wants to have everything under control and in his own hands, but does not always succeed,” he said.
Actress Dunja Vujatović added that her role is also demanding because all characters in the play are complex.
“You can find a part of yourself in every character. It is important that we address dark and difficult themes,” she said.
The festival is supported by the Office of the President of Republika Srpska, the City of Laktaši, the Laktaši Tourist Organisation and the Laktaši Centre for Culture and Education, with additional support from numerous friends of the festival and individuals who have contributed to the development of cultural life in the community for years.
The festival will close on June 28 with an awards ceremony and a performance of “Titanic Orchestra” by the Academy of Arts of the University of Banja Luka.
All performances will be staged at the Laktaši Centre for Culture and Education at 8:00 p.m., except for the closing evening, which will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Festival Programme
June 22 – Official Opening – Daske Amateur Theatre, Laktaši – Up and Down (Premiere)
June 23 – BN Youth Theatre, Bijeljina – When We Were Our Age
June 24 – DIS Theatre, Banja Luka – A Second and 35
June 25 – Zarja Theatre Group, Celje (Slovenia) – Excursion
June 26 – AKUD Sonja Marinković, Novi Sad (Serbia) – A Strange Afternoon
June 27 – Drama Stage of SPKD Prosvjeta, Prnjavor – My Friend D. A Story of Unna
June 28 – Festival Closing, Awards Ceremony and Performance in Honour of the Winners – Titanic Orchestra by the Academy of Arts of the University of Banja Luka.
Source: RTRS
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