Tonight: Opening of the 61st MESS Festival with live broadcast on BHT1

(Patria) - The ceremonial opening of the 61st International Theatre Festival MESS will be held tonight at the National Theatre Sarajevo, at 7:30 PM with a live TV broadcast by the general media sponsor BHRT.

This year's festival opens with "The First Chekhov Play", a spectacle by the theatre troupe Dead Centre from Ireland, a play that was supposed to close the 59th edition of MESS.

The director of the National Theatre Sarajevo and one of the festival selectors, Dino Mustafić, emphasizes that this year's Festival program is a great achievement, considering the circumstances under which it is being held.

"I think the program, which began with a prologue on Susan Sontag Square, will herald better days for all of us, and that we will welcome the next edition of MESS in normal circumstances," Mustafić stated.

The director of MESS, Nihad Kreševljaković, thanked the audience for always sincerely and faithfully supporting theatre art, regardless of the circumstances.

"I thank our loyal audience who support the Festival's work regardless of the circumstances, and once again I kindly appeal to everyone to adhere to the prescribed measures," Kreševljaković points out.

As he pointed out, although the Festival is not competitive this year, the Directorate will award Golden Laurel Wreaths for contributions to the art of theatre.

This year, after each performance, a discussion with the audience will be organized, led by dramaturge Almir Imširević.

Audience members attending the performance of "The First Chekhov Play" will be required to present proof of revaccination, a negative antigen/PCR test no older than 48 hours, or proof of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months upon entry.