The play “Why Is He Laughing” by the Sombor National Theatre, an original project by Đorđe Nešović, was named the best production of the 19th Golden Fairy International Theatre Festival by the festival jury, while the audience award went to Zvezdara Theatre from Belgrade for “The Professional,” written and directed by Dušan Kovačević.
The jury, comprising Milica Kralj, Miroslav Radonjić and Dražen Ferenčina, said in its explanation that “Why Is He Laughing” delivers a genuine theatrical experience in every aspect and leaves no audience member indifferent.
The production won five additional awards. Đorđe Nešović received the award for best director, Miljena Vučković for set design, Marija Balubdžić for original music, Ana Rudakijević for best young actress and Aleksandar Ristoski for best young actor.
Nenad Jezdić won the award for best actor for his role in Zvezdara Theatre’s “The Professional,” while Bojana Milanović was named best actress for her performance in “The Singing and Silence of Sofka Nikolić,” produced by the Semberija City Theatre from Bijeljina.
Velimirka Damjanović received the award for best costume design for “Mrs. Olga,” a joint production of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska and the National Theatre in Belgrade.
The jury also presented two special awards. One went to the ensemble of “Mrs. Olga” for its inspired, balanced and powerful collective performance, while actor Bojan Stojčetović received a special award for his comedic performance as Jovan in “The Conceited Woman” by the National Theatre in Priština.
“All decisions were made unanimously,” the jury said.
Aleksandar Stojković served as the festival selector. The accompanying program included the presentation of “Tired of Touch,” Branka Sančanin’s monograph about actor Uglješa Kojadinović, as well as a conversation with actor Nenad Jezdić.
Five productions competed over seven festival evenings. As the host, Prijedor Theatre performed “Mistero Buffo” outside the competition.
The Symphony Orchestra of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska performed at the awards ceremony and the festival’s closing event.
Source: RTRS
