Expanding Theatre Landscapes SARTR

Expanding Theatre Landscapes project is conceived as a co-production and co-creation laboratory aimed at the mobility of artists, with particular attention to improving and increasing the international role of actors and playwrights from the Western Balkan countries. 
 
Western Balkans artists were involved in major co-production and co-creation activities within Expanding Theatre Landscapes project: 5 premieres of the commissioned rewritings, 5 approaching workshops, 5 audience development actions and 4 residencies.  
 
The project developed and produced 5 rewritings of the past plays which have gender equality values and migration as their central themes. Playwrights adopted an innovative approach in rewriting of classic or past work showing inclusive traits, particularly in connection with gender equality. Out of 5 developed rewritings the following have been premiered, and one more will follow by the end of 2024:  

  • “Measure for measure”, directed by Mirko Radonjić 
  • “We are still alive”, directed by Gianluca Iumiento 
  • “The Game”, directed by Gianluca Iumiento, Martin T.B. Thomas 
  • “Exodus”, directed by Gianluca Iumiento 

All these co-production and co-creation activities are implemented with the aim of having partners gain familiarity with the Western Balkan artists and gain confidence in coproducing work beyond the project scope. 

The significance of this project is clearly depicted in the statements of its participants: Mirko Radonjić, theatre director; Nejra Babić, playwright; Ana Mija Karić, actress.  

"Working with the artists from SARTR and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the play Measure for Measure, based on the Shakespearean drama of the same name, was a valuable experience for me as an artist. The thorough and analytical approach, as well as the dedication and commitment of my Bosnian colleagues, not only facilitated a smooth and inspiring theatrical process but also opened the door to reflecting on Shakespeare's text in a highly innovative and unexpected way. The trust that was built became part of the dramaturgical fabric of the play itself through the personal statements of the performers and the creative team. At the same time, the two-month intense and continuous stay in Sarajevo, and working on my first play in that cultural context, as an artist from Montenegro, gave me better insight into Bosnian-Herzegovinian theatre and culture, as well as into the broader political reality of Balkan societies. The resulting play thus becomes much more than just a repertoire move by a single city and cantonal theatre; it becomes a certain testament to the dialogue of cultures, a dialogue with the audience, and a dialogue with the cultural heritage of the Balkans and Europe." 
— Mirko Radonjić, theatre director  

"The work on the play We Are Still Alive was a deeply emotional and challenging process for me. Through the text I wrote, I tried to portray how war leaves lasting effects on people's lives and how just a moment is enough for the world we live in to change completely. Working with the actors was crucial in bringing these complex emotions to life. Each actor brought their own interpretation of the characters, which further enriched the play. Through intense rehearsals, we worked to ensure that all emotional nuances and the depth of the characters were portrayed authentically and subtly. Their commitment and ability to connect with the characters allowed us to convey the real suffering and hope that the characters feel. The play We Are Still Alive, which is still being performed at SARTR, has given me, as the author, the opportunity to refine my skills and explore the possibilities of writing about personal and very important themes.” 
— Nejra Babić, We Are Still Alive playwright 
 

“The work on the play Measure for Measure brought together a unique, inspiring collaboration between the actors and the director. The deep understanding and trust among all the participants in the production, along with the desire to delve into the meanings of Shakespeare's work that lie beneath the surface of what is written, resulted in a stage piece that is unafraid to expose just how susceptible justice and morality are to free interpretation and manipulation. Director Mirko Radonjić succeeded in recognizing each actor's personal and artistic uniqueness and transforming it into stage expression through his methods. We have created a play that communicates with the audience in a completely new, intriguing way. The audience is not just a spectator; they are a witness, an accomplice. This play speaks about violence in all its dimensions and levels. For me as an actress, it was a great challenge to be part of the process and to perform this play as part of the regular repertoire of my home theatre, SARTR.” 
—  Ana Mija Karić, actress 

The project helped the circulation of cultural and creative works and methodologies through the internationalisation of the careers of playwrights, dramaturgs, literary managers, theatre theoreticians, directors, actors, producers and other stage artists from the Western Balkans and EU Member States. 
 
Implementing partners of the “Expanding Theatre Landscapes” project:
Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR (BIH), Foundation „Hartefakt Fond" (SER) and Realstage (BIH) 
 
Expanding Theatre Landscapes is supported by the British Council through “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” project funded by the European Union. CC4WBs aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.