WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE 18TH INTERNATIONAL ACTORS’ FESTIVAL “ZAPLET”

Banja Luka will host the 18th International Actors’ Festival “Zaplet” from October 20 to 28, bringing theatre performances from Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region, alongside concerts, exhibitions and talks with renowned actors.

PHOTO: GP "Jazavac"

Organised by the “Jazavac” City Theatre, this year’s festival carries the subtitle “Riviera Obilićevo”. Over nine days, audiences can look forward to a diverse programme celebrating theatre and the art of acting.

TWO PREMIERES BY THE “JAZAVAC” CITY THEATRE

The festival will open on October 20 with the premiere of “And They Lived Happily Ever After…?”, based on a text by Nina Horvat and directed by Slađana Kilibarda.

The cast includes Nataša Ivančević, Miljka Brđanin, Dragana Marić and Dragana Ilić.

The festival will conclude on October 28 with another premiere by the “Jazavac” City Theatre: the one-person play “What Will Grow When You Plant Your Heart”, performed by Vladimir Nićiforović and directed by Nikola Zavišić.

THEATRE PERFORMANCES FROM ACROSS THE REGION

The festival programme features productions by theatres and independent artistic groups from several cities across the region.

On October 21, audiences will have the opportunity to see “My Theatre” by Belgrade’s Atelje 212, followed on October 22 by “Matija”, performed by Zagreb-based Arterarij.

The National Theatre in Sombor will present “Why Is He Laughing?” on October 23, while October 24 is reserved for “Fatal Outcome of Athletic Injuries”, produced by Sarajevo’s Moje pozorište.

A concert by the band Letu Štuke is scheduled for October 25, when the festival awards will also be presented.

The programme continues on October 26 with “Experiment: Civilisation”, created by Nevid Teatar and Studio Spotless. On October 27, audiences can attend “A Son, Mother and Father Sit at the Table and Remain Silent for a Long Time”, a production by the Academy of Arts in Banja Luka and the Student Cultural Centre.

MEETINGS WITH RENOWNED ACTORS

In addition to theatre performances, “Zaplet 18” offers an accompanying programme that gives audiences an opportunity to learn more about actors and their artistic work.

Roundtable discussions will be held after performances and moderated by Aleksandar Vasiljević. Visitors will also be able to explore an exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the “Jazavac” City Theatre.

The festival’s “Conversations with Actors and About Actors” programme will feature meetings with Vojin Ćetković on October 21, Vesna Trivalić on October 22 and Olga Odanović on October 23. A conversation with Nataša Ivančević is scheduled for October 26.

All conversations begin at 10 p.m., and admission to the accompanying programme is free.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for festival performances can be purchased exclusively in person at the “Jazavac” City Theatre box office. Advance reservations are not available.

The box office is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., while Saturday opening hours are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The International Actors’ Festival “Zaplet” once again brings outstanding theatre productions and artists from across the region to Banja Luka, reinforcing the city’s role as a meeting point for theatrical art and audiences.

The festival will take place from October 20 to 28, 2026, at the “Jazavac” City Theatre in Banja Luka.

The full programme is available on the official website of the “Jazavac” City Theatre.