KESTENBURG 2025: STUDENT THEATRE FESTIVAL UNITES TALENTS FROM THREE CONTINENTS

The 6th International Student Theatre Festival "Kestenburg" will take place from March 6 to 8 in six cities across Republika Srpska, bringing together 63 students from 10 countries across three continents—Asia, Europe, and North America.

The festival is organized by the Banja Luka Student Theatre in collaboration with the Representative Office of Republika Srpska in Serbia. This year, the festival will spotlight the accompanying play "The Book of Milutin", starring Serbian actor Nenad Jezdić, who is also the president of the festival's jury.

For the first time, the festival will include both a prologue and an epilogue. The prologue will feature the performance of "The Book of Milutin" in Prijedor on March 5, while the epilogue will take place in Trebinje on March 9.

At a press conference held at Zvezdara Theatre, Jezdić expressed his excitement about his debut as a jury member.

“This is my first time as part of a jury. I’ve avoided jury duties before, but this is both a responsibility and a joy since it’s a festival for young people. We need to bring them a sense of responsibility, maturity, and experience in theatre. It’s important to pass on some of the theatre's secrets to them and help those ho are willing to listen and engage with us experienced artists,” Jezdić said.

He also noted that having performed in numerous plays and premieres, it will be a pleasure to share his experience with others. Jezdić emphasized the importance of following all performances to understand what the young artists are trying to convey and to evaluate their professional progress.

“Young people can often inspire older generations, so I look forward to experiencing theatre again. Theatre has its secrets, a noble game of uncovering truths and mysteries,” he added.

Festival Director Aleksandar Pejaković announced that Kestenburg will feature three categories of performances—gold, silver, and bronze.

“There will be performances from countries like Mexico and Iran. Students will perform in cities including Banja Luka, with the gold category being held in East Sarajevo. This will showcase regional student theatre productions, including guests from the Sarajevo Academy of Performing Arts and the Faculty of Dramatic Arts. For the first time, the Academy of Arts from Belgrade will also participate,” Pejaković explained.

Neda Simić Žerajić, the festival's program editor, highlighted the event’s expansion to six cities this year, with Banja Luka hosting the opening and closing ceremonies.

“The program will also take place in Prijedor, where it begins with The Book of Milutin, and ends in Trebinje. This festival opens new perspectives and offers young creators a platform to express their creativity while exchanging ideas with peers from around the world,” Žerajić stated.

Kestenburg continues to establish itself as a unique platform for young theatre artists, showcasing their talent, creativity, and passion for performing arts.