Drama in Belgrade: Director Expelled, but the Play Goes On!
Imagine this: Montenegrin director Danilo Marunović, also known as a columnist, was detained in Serbia, interrogated for hours, and then ordered to leave the country! All this right before the premiere of his play “Gospoda Glembajevi” at the National Theatre in Belgrade. Yes, you read that right — the state expelled the artist, but the play? The play still goes on!
What happened?
The morning started dramatically. Members of Serbia’s Security and Information Agency (BIA) raided Marunović’s hotel room, took him for a lengthy interrogation, and then decided to expel him. The reason? His columns, allegedly critical of the authorities, especially one published on the “Vidovdan” portal where he criticized President Vučić.
Reactions and Solidarity
Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the act, calling it a gross violation of international principles of cultural exchange and damaging to good neighborly relations. Montenegro’s embassy in Belgrade immediately sought explanations from Serbian authorities.
Yet, art triumphed! Despite everything, the National Theatre in Belgrade decided to perform “Gospoda Glembajevi.” Svetozar Cvetković, a member of the ensemble, emotionally told the audience that the work cannot be expelled, and the play will be performed in solidarity with colleagues from the Montenegrin National Theatre.
Cultural War or Political Censorship?
This incident sheds light on the dark side of relations between Serbia and Montenegro, where art and freedom of expression are caught in political tensions. Is Marunović’s expulsion just the tip of the iceberg of repression against critics of the government? Will artists become victims of political conflicts?
What Do Artists and the Public Say?
As voices rise in Belgrade and Podgorica against such actions, many wonder — where is the line between state security and freedom of artistic expression? Will art continue to bear the burden of political conflicts?
Conclusion
The expulsion of Danilo Marunović from Serbia is not just a story about one man and one play. It is a wake-up call for all of us who believe in freedom of speech and art. While political games continue, art still finds its way — even if through resistance and struggle.
So, what do you think about this cultural scandal? The start of a new era of censorship or just another incident in a long series? Drop a comment, crack a joke, or challenge the story — because art and politics have never been this entertaining!
