Theatre or Political Battlefield?
Is art truly free, or is it under siege by nationalism and chauvinism? Danilo Marunović, a young Montenegrin director, has experienced something that should be unthinkable in the 21st century – he was expelled from Serbia! Yes, you read that right. After successfully staging Miroslav Krleža’s “Gospoda Glembajevi” with the Montenegrin National Theatre in Podgorica at the National Theatre in Belgrade, Marunović was detained in the early morning hours by the Serbian Security Intelligence Agency (BIA), questioned, and immediately forced to leave the country.
What happened?
Marunović entered Serbia without any issues, even accompanied by his father, actor Slobodan Marunović. However, after directing and performing a play that received standing ovations, he faced a brutal reaction from the authorities. Without any clear reason, the artist was treated as an enemy of the state. Members of the cast, including renowned Serbian actor Svetozar Cvetković, stood up in his defense, emphasizing that the play cannot be expelled and that art is above political games.
Theatre as a fight against chauvinism
This play is not just an artistic endeavor but a clear stance against nationalism and chauvinism. Marunović is known as a fighter against these phenomena, which evidently disturbed some power centers in Serbia. His detention and expulsion send a message that artists who dare to criticize or think differently will not be welcome.
Reactions and consequences
Actors and theatre audiences in Belgrade clearly showed their support for Marunović and his work. Ovations and applause lasted long, and support came from Montenegro as well. However, this incident raises serious questions about freedom of art and expression in Serbia. Is this just the beginning of a new wave of censorship and repression?
Why is this happening?
Although the reasons have not been officially explained, it is clear that the artist was punished for his views and columns considered provocative. In a country where nationalism and chauvinism are rising again, art becomes a target. Marunović’s case is a warning to all who think freedom of expression is guaranteed.
What next?
Theatre and art must remain free spaces for dialogue and critique. This case should awaken the conscience of the public and the artistic community. Will we allow artists to be expelled for their views? Or will we stand up for freedom and culture?
If you have an opinion on this scandal or know of a similar case, feel free to share in the comments. Let the voice of art be heard, because if we stay silent, next time there might be no one left to fight for freedom of expression.
Slug: director-danilo-marunovic-expelled-serbia-theatre-under-siege-chauvinism-censorship
