ne:Bitef to take over 60 locations across Belgrade: "Power can capture an institution, but not the people"

Bitef will return to Belgrade this year in a form that leaves the official theater system behind. Under the slogan "Bitef is wherever we gather," the second ne:Bitef will bring artists from across Europe to 60 symbolic micro-scenes on September 20.

The free program will spread through independent social and cultural centers, bookstores, cafes, pastry shops, apartments and other spaces outside the institutional theater network. Audiences will be able to follow a festival map and schedule, choose which locations to visit, and create their own route through the city.

Organizers say the event reflects a deeper crisis surrounding Bitef. They recall that the festival, founded six decades ago as a space for artistic experimentation, critical thought, international dialogue and freedom of expression, has faced financial, programming and administrative pressure for two years. They describe that pressure as the seizure of a public cultural asset by an arbitrary government.

“

Bitef is wherever we gather

The official 2025 festival did not take place after its board refused to support the participation of Swiss director Milo Rau. Cultural workers responded with a self-organized guerrilla edition, which became ne:Bitef. Organizers say international solidarity continued this year, with six of seven productions withdrawn from the official Bitef selection, while the seventh remained despite its director's opposition. "Solidarity actions last year and this year prove that power can capture an institution, but not the people to whom it matters," they said.

The day's performances, exhibitions, workshops, discussions and meetings with artists will run from noon to 6 p.m. From 7 p.m., participants and audiences will gather at the Center for Cultural Decontamination for the closing program.

“

Solidarity actions last year and this year prove that power can capture an institution, but not the people to whom it matters