Teatro Praga withdraws from BITEF in solidarity with Serbian artists

The Portuguese artistic collective Teatro Praga announced its withdrawal from the 59th BITEF festival, expressing solidarity with Serbian artists, cultural workers, and independent organizations. The collective cited concerns over censorship and increasing political pressure within Serbia's cultural sector as reasons for their decision.

Teatro Praga was invited to perform "Audição (Audition)" at the Belgrade International Theatre Festival. However, the collective concluded that participating under the current circumstances would legitimize a climate where artistic freedom, autonomy, and cultural pluralism are under threat. "Such a context is incompatible with the principles of artistic freedom, expression, autonomy, and cultural pluralism," Teatro Praga stated. "Under these circumstances, the troupe believes its participation could be seen as an endorsement of the status quo, which is why we have decided to withdraw from the festival."

The collective emphasized that their move is an act of solidarity with the Serbian artistic community and independent organizations that continue to operate despite the challenging political climate. The 59th edition of BITEF is scheduled for September 14-20 under the slogan "Dare to Learn." The main program is expected to feature seven productions.

This withdrawal occurs amid a profound institutional crisis for BITEF, which has unfolded over the past 18 months. The turmoil peaked in 2025 when the festival was not held in its traditional format. Conflicts over management, funding, and editorial independence overshadowed programming and international guest performances. The arts community argued that BITEF was disempowered, defunded, deprived of an artistic director, and subjected to censorship after Swiss director Milo Rau’s play, "The Pelicot Trial," was removed from the program. In response, artists and cultural workers organized a protest and alternative program called "ne:Bitef" in December 2025. Consequently, BITEF, once a prestigious regional theater festival, has become a symbol of a broader conflict over cultural policy in Belgrade.

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Such a context is incompatible with the principles of artistic freedom, expression, autonomy, and cultural pluralism. Under these circumstances, the troupe believes its participation could be seen as an endorsement of the status quo, which is why we have decided to withdraw from the festival.