97TH THEATRE SEASON OPENS WITH PREMIERE OF THE UPSTART

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 18 /SRNA/ - The premiere of Pokondirena tikva /The Upstart/, directed by Željko Đukić and based on the work by Jovan Sterija Popović, opened the 97th theatre season of the National Theatre of Republika Srpska in Banja Luka tonight.

Republika Srpska Minister of Education and Culture Borivoje Golubović said that the works of great artists never lose their significance, but simply take on a new form, adding that tonight’s premiere was proof of this.

Golubović stressed that the 97th season reflects the rich tradition of the region’s leading national theatre and that the work by renowned comedy writer Jovan Sterija Popović, on which the play is based, was an excellent choice to open the new season.

He said that the theatre is a place where art and life meet, encouraging people to think, feel and better understand others.

"That is why theatre plays a special role in preserving our cultural identity and shaping a society that values knowledge, creativity and freedom of thought," Golubović told SRNA.

He added that the relevant ministry would continue to support the work of the theatre, thereby contributing to the development of culture and the arts.

National Theatre of Republika Srpska Director Dijana Grbić expressed satisfaction with the strong public interest in seeing The Upstart, saying that this was proof of the play’s quality.

"It also confirms that this theatre is on the right track, nurturing its identity in the right way while leaving plenty of room for young talent in the arts," Grbić said.