Nikita Milivojević’s mandate as artistic director of BITEF has not been extended raising concerns about the future of the festival.
Last week the City Assembly in Belgrade decided not to extend Nikita Milivojević’s mandate as artistic director of the Belgrade International Theatre Festival (BITEF), leaving the festival without leadership for its upcoming September edition.
Milivojević was appointed artistic director of the festival in 2023, following Ivan Medenica, who held the role for seven years. The programme for last year’s festival, his second as artistic director, included high profile shows such as Milo Rau’s Antigone in the Amazon and Carolina Bianchi’s Cadela Força Trilogy – Chapter I: The Bride and the Goodnight Cinderella, and was widely well-received.
This decision not extend his mandate adds Bitef to a growing list of international festivals halted by the City Assembly whose work has been called into question – Fest, the March Festival, and Magnificent Seven. Milivojević, informed of the decision by phone, commented: “The circus we’ve been watching for years is culminating, that’s all.”
The timing is crucial, as Bitef typically finalizes its program for September in March. Milivojević suggests that this decision aims to control or prevent the festival. There is speculation that the decision may be related to previous festival content, such as director Milo Rau’s critique of lithium mining policies during the last Bitef. Additionally, financial constraints due to funding allocations for Expo 2027 could be a factor, given the already limited cultural budget.
International reactions include a statement from the Vienna Festivals and the Free Republic of Vienna titled Stop political influence! expressing solidarity with Milivojević. They highlight that his support for student protests in Serbia might have influenced the city's decision not to renew his contract. Swiss director Milo Rau also expressed solidarity with the dismissed artistic director of Bitef believing that the decision not to extend his mandate was politically motivated due to Milivojević’s support for student protests and already mentioned last year’s speech.
Established in 1967, Bitef has been a significant platform for contemporary theatre. The current situation raises concerns about its future and the broader cultural landscape in Serbia.
Further reading: BITEF’s curatorial team: “We want to amplify voices that might not otherwise be heard”
Divna Stojanov is a dramaturg and playwright. She writes mainly for children and young people.
