The Republika Srpska National Theatre in Banja Luka will open its 97th theatrical season with the premiere of The Upstart (Pokondirena tikva), directed by Željko Đukić and based on the classic comedy by Serbian playwright Jovan Sterija Popović.
The theatre’s director, Dijana Grbić, told the Srna news agency that audiences can expect, above all, a high-quality production.
Grbić emphasized that Đukić is already familiar to local audiences, having previously directed Ivanov at the National Theatre. His professional career has taken him from Mostar and Sarajevo to Belgrade, Niš, Zrenjanin and the United States.
“The entire creative team consists of proven professionals, so we are in safe hands. Many great actresses have portrayed Fema in The Upstart, but we are especially looking forward to seeing the magnificent Nikolina Frganović in this role,” Grbić said.
Renowned actors and young talents take the stage
The production brings together some of the most recognizable names in the local theatre scene, including Aleksandar Stojković, Ljubiša Savanović, Željko Erkić and Sandra Ljubojević.
They will be joined by a younger generation of actors: Tara Jovanić, Isidora Davidović, Vojin Topalović and Vojin Vukelić.
Following the premiere, the theatre will present certificates of appreciation to its friends and partners and announce its annual awards for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Production of the previous season.
“We have achieved the goals we set for ourselves, and the people we placed our trust in have met our expectations, especially the young artists, which makes us extremely proud,” Grbić stated.
New productions and festival appearances
Alongside The Upstart, the theatre is preparing another production, The Son, based on the play by French playwright Florian Zeller and directed by Belinda Stijak.
Collaborations with directors Đorđe Nešović and Nikola Zavišić are also planned for the new season.
Grbić revealed that some upcoming drama projects will incorporate musical elements, with the theatre’s orchestra expected to participate in their development.
The theatre’s ensemble also has several festival appearances scheduled.
The production Mrs. Olga (Gospođa Olga) will compete at the Vršac Theatre Autumn Festival on October 20.
Meanwhile, Martin’s Share (Martin udio) will be performed at the Days of Zoran Radmilović Festival in Zaječar on October 22 and at Bora’s Theatre Days in Vranje on October 23.
Symphony Orchestra begins fifth concert season
The Republika Srpska National Theatre’s Symphony Orchestra has recently launched its fifth concert season, featuring Portuguese conductor Filipe Cunha as a guest.
Grbić encouraged audiences to attend the upcoming concert Viennese Affairs – Haydn and Mozart, highlighting the orchestra’s growing importance within the theatre’s artistic program.
Ambitions to bring opera and ballet back to Banja Luka
Grbić also reflected on the theatre’s successful opera productions in recent seasons, noting that two premieres attracted considerable public attention.
She expressed hope that cooperation with institutional partners and the relevant ministry would eventually create the conditions for staging another opera in Banja Luka.
However, she acknowledged that introducing opera, ballet and musicals as regular parts of the repertoire remains a long-term ambition.
“Many things need to fall into place before opera, ballet or musicals can become a regular part of our repertoire. We must acknowledge that we cannot achieve this at the moment, but we are developing our creative resources and technical capacities so that it becomes possible in the near future,” Grbić concluded.
Source: RTRS
