Nikšić in the name of theater art: 22nd International Festival of Actors from November 5 to 10

At the beginning of November, the stage of the Nikšić Theater will become a meeting place for different theater traditions, artistic expressions and acting achievements. The audience can expect a repertoire that combines contemporary interpretations of dramatic texts, comedies, stories inspired by real people and works that explore the complexity of human relationships.

Through a carefully selected program, the festival continues to nurture theater art and creates an opportunity for the Nikšić audience to get to know the achievements of significant regional theater companies.

Complete program of the 22nd International Actor's Festival

November 5 - Opening ceremony and performance "Fear and Hope"

• Author: Franz Xaver Kroetz
• Adaptation and direction: Tatjana Mandić Rigonat
• Performer: Macedonian National Theatre, Skopje
• Start: 20:00h

It is a theatrical production based on the work of the German playwright Franz Xaver Kretz, an author known for his texts that explore everyday life, interpersonal relationships and the inner conflicts of an individual. Through the adaptation and directorial approach of Tatjana Mandić Rigonat, the Macedonian National Theater from Skopje brings its own interpretation of this dramatic template, opening the festival program with a play that puts a man and his life experiences in the center of attention.

November 6 - "Contra Mundum"

• Inspiration: Autobiography "The Secret Life of Salvador Dali"
• Concept and direction: Veljko Mićunović
• Performer: Center for Culture Tivat
• Start: 20:00h

The life of one of the most recognizable artists of the 20th century served as a starting point for a theatrical exploration of a world in which reality, art, imagination and personal identity intertwine. The concept and direction is by Veljko Mićunović, and the play is performed by the Tivat Culture Center. This production brings a different artistic expression to the festival repertoire, connecting theatrical play with the creative legacy of Salvador Dali.

November 7 - "The Professional"

• Writer: Dusan Kovacevic
• Performer: Zvezdara Theater, Belgrade
• Start: 20:00h

This famous drama deals with an individual's relationship to the past, social circumstances and personal decisions that shape his life. Through dialogues imbued with recognizable humor and irony, Kovačević opens up the issues of freedom, responsibility and the way in which historical circumstances affect human destinies. The performance is performed by the Zvezdara Theater from Belgrade, bringing to the audience one of the famous works of regional dramatic literature.

November 8 - "Where's the prima donna?" (Lend Me a Soprano)

• Writer: Ken Ludwig
• Director: Katja Pegan
• Performers: Koper Theater and City Theater Ptuj
• Start: 20:00h

The play, whose original title is "Lend Me a Soprano", brings a world of theater and opera scenes, unexpected plots, identity swaps and comical misunderstandings. Directed by Katja Pegan, through a joint production of the Koper Theater and the City Theater of Ptuj, the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy a dynamic theatrical story in which humor develops through a series of unpredictable situations. This comedy brings a brighter tone to the festival program and an opportunity to encounter a different form of acting expression.

November 9 - "Ms. Olga"

• Writer: Milutin Bojic
• Director: Igor Đorđević
• Performers: National Theater in Belgrade and National Theater of Republika Srpska, Banja Luka
• Start: 20:00h

This drama belongs to his literary heritage and deals with interpersonal relationships, personal interests and social circumstances that influence the actions and decisions of the characters. Directed by Igor Đorđević, the play brings a new stage reading of Bojić's work, connecting the classic dramatic text with a contemporary theatrical approach. Artists from the National Theater in Belgrade and the National Theater of the Republika Srpska from Banja Luka take part in the performance.

November 10 - Ceremonial closing ceremony and performance "Humor Center"

• Writer: Djordje Kosic
• Director: Olga Đorđević
• Performer: National Theater in Belgrade
• Start: 8:00 PM

In honor of the awardees, the play "Central za humor" will be performed, according to the text by Đorđe Kosić, directed by Olga Đorđević. The play is performed by the National Theater in Belgrade, and its performance will symbolically round off this year's festival gathering. The final evening will be an opportunity to highlight the acting achievements presented during the festival and to acknowledge the artists who marked this year's edition with their work.

Conversations about performances: A meeting between the audience and theater creators

In addition to the performances, the festival also brings an accompanying program intended to discuss theater art. Every evening at 10:00 p.m., in the foyer of the Nikšić Theater, discussions will be organized about the performances. Jelena S. Perić will play the role of moderator, and the talks will provide an opportunity for an exchange of opinions, getting to know artistic approaches and additional understanding of the topics covered by the plays. In this way, the festival tries to extend the theater experience beyond the stage itself, opening up space for an immediate dialogue about art.

Under the slogan "Let's play with our hearts", Nikšić will open the doors from November 5 to 10 to everyone who finds space in the theater for emotion, thinking, laughter and meeting art. The festival is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro, the Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of Nikšić and other partners listed in the festival materials.