The inaugural Festival of Theatre Direction, named after renowned director Jagoš Marković, opened on December 1, 2023, at KIC in Podgorica. The festival commenced with a performance of “Ćelava pjevačica” (The Bald Soprano), directed by Marković and presented by the Centre for Culture from Tivat. This production represents Marković‘s final directorial work.
Before the show, Tamara Vujović, the Minister of Culture and Media, along with Jelena Borovinić-Bojović, the President of the Assembly of the Capital City, delivered ceremonial speeches. Their addresses, however, were met with audible disapproval from segments of the audience, including loud jeers. At the start of her speech, Vujović acknowledged the presence of key officials, including the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, and the Mayor of Podgorica, Sasa Mujović. This prompted audience members to shout “boo, boo,” to which Vujović responded, “Have I said something wrong?” The crowd briefly applauded after this remark.
The disruption continued throughout Vujović‘s speech and during Borovinić-Bojović‘s address. The latter concluded by thanking both those who applauded and those who heckled, acknowledging the diverse reactions from the audience.
The festival will continue with a performance of “Filomena Marturano”, also directed by Jagoš Marković, scheduled for tomorrow. The event will run until December 6, 2023, promising a rich program to celebrate the art of theatre direction in Montenegro.
