The play “More Than a Game” at the Belgrade Drama Theatre is a theatrical experiment based on the eponymous television series by Slobodan Stojanović. Dramaturg Đorđe Kosić emphasizes that the play remains faithful to the tone and atmosphere of the series, maintaining its serious content and Balkan cynicism. Actor Milorad Damjanović discusses his role as Guliver and highlights the emotional and warm nature of the play, as well as the importance of younger audiences understanding the people through this story. The play is divided into three parts, which can be watched individually or together, with the third part based on an unpublished script by Stojanović, providing resolution for fans of the series. Both sides stress the importance of preserving authenticity and originality in the theatrical adaptation, as well as the emotional connection of the actors to the project.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning coverage tends to emphasize the cultural and artistic significance of the theatrical adaptation, highlighting the emotional depth, social commentary, and the preservation of the original series’ critical tone towards society. It appreciates the play as a form of cultural heritage and a medium to engage younger audiences with historical and social realities.
Center: Center-leaning articles focus on the factual aspects of the play’s production, the actors’ experiences, and the faithful adaptation of the series. They highlight the theatrical innovation and the balance between respecting the original material and bringing fresh interpretations, appealing to a broad audience without strong political framing.
Right: Right-leaning narratives may emphasize the national cultural pride in the adaptation of a beloved Yugoslav-era series, focusing on the preservation of traditional values and the importance of maintaining the original tone and atmosphere. They might also highlight the play as a celebration of regional identity and artistic achievement.
