The first International Children’s Theatre Festival is scheduled to take place from May 25 to May 31, 2024, in Danilovgrad, organized by the local Centre for Culture. This seven-day event aims to showcase the highest quality professional performances from previous seasons, providing children with an opportunity to engage with the arts.
Each day of the festival will feature a different theatrical performance, followed by discussions and interactive sessions with a children’s jury. This format encourages young audiences to engage critically with the productions they view. Alongside the main program, attendees can look forward to accompanying activities and creative workshops focused on culture and the arts. These workshops will be held outdoors or at various public squares, ensuring accessibility for all children in the community.
The festival’s artistic team includes notable theatre professionals such as Petar Pejaković, a director and professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, as well as actors Jelena Simić and Slaviša Grubiša. The editorial team features psychologist and producer Marija Bačković, actress Danica Rajković, and actor Stevan Vuković, all contributing their expertise to create an enriching experience for young attendees.
In preparation for the festival, the Centre for Culture Danilovgrad has announced an art competition inviting children from all primary schools in Montenegro to submit drawings or paintings on the theme of the festival. This initiative aims to encourage children’s participation in the festival’s creation, fostering a sense of inclusion and community engagement. The competition is open to all children, including those with disabilities and those attending daily centres or programs run by non-profit organizations across Montenegro.
The submitted artworks will be displayed to the public at the end of February during a special exhibition dedicated to the festival. Notably, the three highest-rated works will be incorporated into the official visual identity of the festival. Schools will inform students about the festival’s program and activities, further encouraging participation.
The primary goal of this competition is to motivate children to contribute to the development of this new cultural event and to actively participate in the cultural life of Danilovgrad. The deadline for submissions is February 21, 2024, providing ample time for young artists to showcase their talents. This initiative highlights the festival’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every child can express their creativity and talent.
