Nikola Pejaković Out as Serbian National Theatre Drama Director; Nebojša Savić Appointed

Nikola Pejaković has been removed as the Director of Drama at the Serbian National Theatre, with actor Nebojša Savić taking over the position. The change, confirmed by theater actors to N1, reportedly stems from Pejaković's fundamental disagreements with the theater's management board regarding his artistic vision and programming for the upcoming season.

Sources indicate that Pejaković's proposed plan, which included specific plays and directors he intended to bring in, was repeatedly rejected and sent back for revisions by the management board. Pejaković's refusal to compromise on his artistic choices ultimately led to the end of his collaboration with the theater.

Pejaković, who began his tenure in October 2024 alongside Aja Jung (Director of Ballet), has declined to comment on his departure. His appointment, along with Jung's, was met with public debate, with some cultural figures criticizing their ties to the current political regime. Supporters of the appointments noted that leadership in Serbian theaters has historically been aligned with political powers.

Nebojša Savić, the new director, is a graduate of the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and has been a member of the Serbian National Theatre's Drama department since 2007. He is also a co-founder of the independent theater troupe "Teatar iza." Savić recently gained public attention for his role as a negotiator between law enforcement and the audience during an incident at the Sterija's Theatre festival.

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I haven't given statements or interviews for a long time.