SloveniaThe article reports that Slovenian director Žiga Divjak has withdrawn his play 'Anhovo' from participation in the Belgrade Theatre Festival (Bitef), citing concerns over censorship and political interference. The play, which focuses on the resilience of residents living near a cement plant, was originally scheduled to be part of this year’s festival, running from September 14 to 20. Divjak and the team from SNG Nova Gorica argue that their withdrawal is a continuation of a pattern of censorship, referencing the previous rejection of Swiss director Milo Rau’s play 'Proces Pelicot' by the festival committee. They accuse the current leadership of Bitef of failing to distance itself from past decisions, take responsibility, or restore trust through public acknowledgment of mistakes. Other international artists, including Croatian director Oliver Frljić, German group Gob Squad, and Lisbon-based Teatro Praga, have also declined participation, expressing solidarity with Serbian artists facing censorship and political pressure.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the refusal to participate in Bitef as a principled stand against censorship and political influence, aligning with progressive values. It emphasizes the systemic nature of the issue, suggesting a broader critique of institutional control over artistic expression. While the focusは
