Počemučka: “The collective demands constant redefining”
Počemučka is a theatre collective with an interest in community and new ways of making work. They discuss their innovative approach to theatre and their place in the Slovenian theatre scene.
Olga Dimitrijević: “It’s impossible to do this job without falling into a trap”
Olga Dimitrijević is a playwright, dramaturg and performer, whose most recent show World Without Women explored conditions for female artists in Serbia. She talks to Natasha Tripney about structural inequalities in theatre and imagining the end of capitalism.
Patrik Lazić: “Making theatre today is one big balancing act”
Patrik Lazić discusses Our Son, his poignant exploration of LGBTQ issues, his approach to theatre, EuroPride and his fondness for emotional storytelling.
Sebastijan Horvat: “All the former Yugoslav countries have a kind of dementia”
Director Sebastijan Horvat talks to Natasha Tripney on his ambitious staging of Heiner Muller’s Cement across three theatres with three different ensembles.
Sasha Milavic Davies: “The audience were on the verge of rioting”
Sasha Milavic Davies is a director, dramaturg, choreographer and movement director who has worked extensively in the UK, at the Royal Court, National Theatre and in the West End, and at Belgrade’s Atelje 212. She talks to Natasha Tripney about the differences between Serbian and UK theatre and stressful opening nights.
Lulzim Zeqja: “I always try to understand the character from the inside out”
Lulzim Zeqja has been a fixture of the Albanian theatre scene for 20 years and is a member of National Theater ensemble. He talks to Flamur Dardeshi about his stage and screen work and the economic challenges that face actors in Albania.
Besmir Bitraku: “Directing has made me a better actor”
Albanian actor Besmir Bitraku on making his directorial debut with the darkly comic Festen, the role of theater in society and the challenges of making theater in Albania.
Tanja Šljivar: “Laughter is a natural response to the absurdity of the world”
Playwright and dramaturg Tanja Šljivar discusses her new play about teenage pregnancy, her upbringing in Banja Luka and writing her debut novel about her time at the National Theatre Belgrade
Maladype Theatre: “We are the black sheep of our theatre society”
For 20 years, Hungary’s Maladype Theatre has sought to maintain independence within an increasingly authoritarian political landscape. Nick Awde talks to them about creative integrity, international touring and turning adversity to advantage.
Hakan Savas Mican: “For a long time migrants were marginalized in theatre”
Writer, director and filmmaker Hakan Savas Mican on making work about the migrant experience and why it’s important to talk about questions of class.