The National Theatre in Belgrade is in the eye of a cultural storm! Actors like Jelisaveta Seka Sablić, Svetlana Ceca Bojković, Milan Caci Mihailović, and Tihomir Tika Stanić are raising their voices against the Ministry of Culture’s decision to appoint Dragoslav Bokan as the head of the theatre’s board. They claim this is a political attack on artists and art, not a professional choice. Bokan, known for his controversial statements and chauvinistic views, is allegedly installed to impose strict control and punish those supporting student protests. The actors warn that such measures will only deepen resistance and stain the government’s reputation. Support for the National Theatre has come from many other theatre professionals across the country, including the Yugoslav Drama Theatre and the Serbian National Theatre. Theatre director Željko Hubač points out that Bokan doesn’t understand the essence of theatre, and his idea of special relations with theatres in Budapest and HNK Zagreb is problematic, as he reportedly spreads chauvinism and rejects regional cooperation. This crisis at the National Theatre is not just a fight for artistic freedom but a mirror of political panic and revenge by the authorities against independent artists. The actors say: let only the ‘approved’ ones perform, but this won’t last long! If you think this is just another stage drama, think again — this is a real drama at the heart of Serbia’s culture. So, what do you think? Is culture under attack or is this just a political show? Drop a comment, let the people’s voice be heard!
