The stage of Loška is seen at a spectator meeting in Serbia: Matej Čujovič awarded for the best male role

In Serbia’s Gornji Milanovac, the eighth International Theatre Meeting Takovska Cveti concluded last weekend with a mix of artistic recognition and cultural exchange. The sole Slovenian production in the competitive programme, Božič pri Cupiellovih by Loški oder, was awarded the prize for best actor. The play, which explores family dynamics through the lens of a holiday gathering, delves into suppressed conflicts and unspoken grievances that often surface precisely when unity and connection should prevail. The festival, held over seven days, featured seven theatrical performances, six of which were part of the competition. Alongside the Škofjeloški ensemble, Serbian amateur theatre groups from Kula, Indži, Jagodina, Velika Plana, and Belgrade participated. The jury, led by theatre critic Vladimir Putnik, selected Let nad kukavičjim gnezdom, staged by Belgrade's Studio glume, Teatar 011 under the direction of Nataša Radonjić, as the best performance of the meeting. The play is described as evoking deep emotional responses through its powerful theatrical suggestiveness, highlighting masterful acting and thoughtful directing that leads to reflections on a more just, fair, and humane world. Aleksandar Radojković received the award for best young actor for his portrayal of McMurphy in the play. Meanwhile, Matej Čujovič was named best male actor for his role as patriarch Luca Cupiella in Božič pri Cupiellovih. The play, based on Eduardo De Filippo’s work, follows a Christmas family gathering that unravels due to the father’s inability to reconcile with his son’s estrangement. Čujovič’s performance was praised for its rich range of expressive tools, particularly warm shades of emotion. His character, portrayed as a “wayward father,” attempts to hold his family together, yet each effort seems to further unravel them. The metaphor of building Christmas lights as a symbol of harmony was handled with the confidence of a true professional, someone both kind-hearted and naive. The production was noted for its dramatic depth and sensitivity towards individuals from the lower social strata. The collaboration between the Loški oder team and director Matija Milčinsky drew particular attention for its balance between tragic and melodramatic elements. A theatre critic, Dragi Ivić, remarked that the play reminded viewers of the works of Victor Hugo, with losses difficult to trace back to specific social classes, whether from the middle or even lower rungs of society, never attempting to hide their material, spiritual, or moral poverty. Dragica Jotanović was honored with the best female actor award for her role as Sister Alojzija in Dvom (Sumnja), adapted from John Patrick Shanley’s script and directed by Slobodan Stanković. The role, famously played by Meryl Streep in the film adaptation Doubt, was lauded for its nuanced performance. Additionally, Marina Marder received special praise for her role in Let nad kukavičjim gnezdom, while the acting duo of Mia Marjanović and Aleksandar Petrović Vavić were recognized for their performance in Mala, Masuka. The audience vote for the best play of the festival went to Mala, directed by Nataša Radonjić after Radoslav Pavlović’s script. The production was presented by the Cultural Centre Masuka from Velika Plana. The festival, known for its focus on emerging talent and diverse voices, continues to serve as a platform for cross-border artistic dialogue and recognition.