The inaugural Festival of Theatre Direction, named after renowned director Jagoš Marković, officially opened at the KIC with a performance of “Ćelava pjevačica”, presented by the Centre for Culture from Tivat. Directed by Marković, this production marks his final directorial work.
Key officials attended the opening, including Tamara Vujović, the Minister of Culture and Media, and Jelena Borovinić-Bojović, the President of the Assembly of the Capital City. Both delivered speeches prior to the performance, which were met with audible discontent from segments of the audience.
The atmosphere turned tense when Minister Vujović began her address. As she greeted notable dignitaries, such as Jakov Milatović, the President of Montenegro, and Saša Mujović, the Mayor of Podgorica, a section of the audience began to boo. In response, Minister Vujović asked, “Did I say something wrong?” which prompted a brief round of applause.
The disruptions continued as President Borovinić-Bojović spoke, who addressed the crowd with gratitude, acknowledging both the supporters and the dissenters. She remarked, “Thank you to those who applauded and to those who booed.”
The festival is set to continue with another performance, “Filomena Marturano,” also directed by Jagoš Marković, scheduled for December 2, 2023. This event will run until December 6, 2023, showcasing a series of performances highlighting the art of theatre direction in Montenegro.
The bold opening night reflects a broader conversation about artistic expression and audience engagement within the cultural landscape of the region. As the festival progresses, it will be interesting to see how audience reactions evolve and what impact this inaugural event will have on the future of theatre in Montenegro.
