Jasna Žmak, Gran Prix Winner of the 58th Bitef, Returns to Bitef Theatre

Belgrade audiences are in for a treat as the Bitef Theatre presents "this is my truth, tell me yours" on May 31, a powerful production by Croatian artist Jasna Žmak. Žmak, the recipient of the prestigious Grand Prix 'Mira Trailović' at the 58th Bitef festival, brings her thought-provoking work to the Serbian capital, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of art, identity, and societal pressures.

The play is an autobiographical exploration where Žmak interrogates her own position within the artistic field, confronting the responsibilities and anxieties that come with authorship. Drawing from a personal experience in 2011 where she suffered tinnitus and hyperacusis due to a stage gunshot, Žmak uses this incident as a springboard to examine how art shapes our reality. The international jury of the 58th Bitef lauded the performance as an "authentic, precisely articulated, multi-layered performance in the form of a lecture-performance in which the author discusses traditional patriarchal and capitalist limitations in the practice of performing arts."

From a regional perspective, this performance is significant. It highlights the vibrant exchange of artistic talent within the Balkans and beyond, showcasing how artists from neighboring countries contribute to the cultural landscape of Belgrade. Žmak's work, which blends elements of stand-up comedy with academic discourse, challenges conventional theatrical forms and engages the audience in a critical dialogue about the meaning of artistic production in the era of 'wild capitalism.' Her background as a writer, dramatist, researcher, and psychodramatist, coupled with her academic position at the Academy of Dramatic Art in Zagreb, lends a profound depth to her artistic explorations.

This event is more than just a play; it's an opportunity for Belgrade's culturally engaged public to witness a critically acclaimed work that resonates with contemporary issues. It underscores Bitef's commitment to presenting avant-garde and intellectually stimulating performances that push boundaries and foster dialogue. The fact that the play is being shown at Bitef Theatre, a venue renowned for its experimental programming, further emphasizes its artistic merit and relevance.

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This is an authentic, precisely articulated, multi-layered performance in the form of a lecture-performance in which the author discusses traditional patriarchal and capitalist limitations in the practice of performing arts.