Actors in Serbia have been subjected to ongoing insults and attacks from the authorities and targeted with online abuse following their support for recent protests.
Serbia Against Violence
Following the horrific mass killing on 3rd May 2023 at’ Vladislav Ribnikar’ Elementary School in the Belgrade and in which nine children and one adult were killed and a second mass shooting in Mladenovac and Smederevo, the protest movement Serbia Against Violence has been organized to seek systemic solutions to societal problems and hold to account those responsible for Serbia’s numerous social and political issues.
These protests have taken part every week. At some of these protests actors, directors, and artists have shown their support and delivered speeches. They consequently became targets of the authorities. Since the state company, Telekom funds the production of some TV shows and films, and actors are paid well for their roles in the shows, the authorities think that actors should not support protests.
The President of the Executive Board of the ruling party, Darko Glišić, outlined why he feels actors who are funded by the state should not support the protest. “I know some actors; they were in debt and struggling during the previous government’s time, but during this so-called ‘dictatorship,’ they film six or seven series per month. And you do not like Vučić; even though there is 119 times more investment, you find the country repulsive, the regime repugnant? Well, do not pretend! Go somewhere else and act!”
During a TV appearance, the pop singer Jelena Karleuša stated that since the state directly finances actors, they should not post about protests on their social media, nor in any way portray Serbia in a negative light.
It seems, that in the eyes of the authorities, if you receive a salary or fee for your work from a state-owned company, you are obligated not to complain, and you are not allowed to express your opinion.
Those who showed their support the protest opened themselves up to online targeting. Last week, a video appeared on Twitter featuring the names and photos of actors who support the protests. They were described as “anti-Serbian, instigators of violence and hatred.” The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić ,addressed the actors, stating, “When you enter politics, be prepared to receive a political response. But we must not respond with ‘You are anti-Serbian trash, you are this and that.'”
Opposition MPs requested that the Republic’s Prosecutor Zagorka Dolovac take official action to uncover who made the video and who is threatening the actors and their children. “How is it possible that citizens, including these actors, are politically competent when it comes to voting but they are not allowed to think for themselves? Is that the message being sent by the highest state official?” asked member of parliament Marinika Tepić.
“Fiercely and relentlessly targeted actors have been punished for their personal, moral, or political beliefs. They are criticized for daring to use their talent and knowledge in service of those who engaged them precisely because of that talent and knowledge,” said member of parliament and writer, Siniša Kovačević.
Targeting on social media
Actress Tamara Dragičević and actor Petar Benčina recently received threats via social media due to Dragičević’s support of the protest. The messages also included threats towards their children and there were some which disclosed their current locations. As a result, a criminal complaint has been filed with the Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime. The Yugoslav Drama Theatre (JDP) put out a statement in response that condemned the threats and insults directed at its ensemble members and colleagues in the public arena. “In response to the threats directed at the child of Tamara Dragičević and Petar Benčina, it is urged that the perpetrators be urgently identified and legally punished,” the JDP stated.
“The fact that everyone reacts to our desire to speak our minds, to be honest, and express our opinions, and the desire to label us as thieves and people who deceive the nation is a great mistake. It also shows that they perceive us as a threat and care that our voice is not heard. However, they do not know much about us, and they make a lot of mistakes. We do what we love. We were taught at the Academy that truth is the most important”, said Dragičević.
Other actors – including Branislav Trifunović and Milan Marić, both featured in the video – have taken to reading statements of solidarity and support of their colleagues at the start of performances. An appeal was made by the Association of Dramatic Artists of Serbia on 29th May against these increasingly frequent attacks, which was given its full support by the Serbian Association of Critics and Theatrologists. “We announce our opposition to all forms of violence, including verbal violence, since it is crucial for us as a society to establish a minimum common denominator that will stop tragedies from reoccurring,” announced the Association on the 2nd June.
Called to account
Minister of Culture Maja Gojković has been called to account for the situation. The director and actor Dragan Bjelogrlić has questioned her absence of reaction. The Minister of Culture, who previously condemned actor Nikola Kojo for supporting the protests, put out a written statement which said “the street has never brought good to anyone.” Gojković stated that everyone in Serbia has the right to their political opinion and stance, which can be expressed in an acceptable manner in a civilized society. “It is important we learn to tolerate differences and engage in dialogue rather than insulting and threatening each other.” She added that the doors of the Ministry of Culture are open for discussions with everyone.
Actress Jelena Stupljanin states that she is not afraid but rather very proud to be a professional in the acting industry. “it is an honour to be part of free-thinking people. As citizens, we all demand accountability and a halt to violence. Those who talk about anything else are diverting the focus.”
The underlying message from the authorities, however, seems to be that if you want a successful and safe career as an actor in Serbia, you should not speak out against them.
Main image: REUTERS
Further reading: Serbian theatre critics support actors after government attacks (seestage.org)
Divna Stojanov is a dramaturg and playwright. She writes mainly for children and young people.
