The Grand Prix for the best overall play was won by the play "The Other Side" - an original project by director Boris Liješević, produced by the Montenegrin National Theatre.
"A performance shaped by discipline and purpose, created with precision and strong collective play, with a uniform rhythm that was never disrupted. The minimalism of the set design proved to be an advantage, not a limitation. The actors transformed simplicity into intensity, filling every moment with intention and presence. The performance has a dynamic theatrical language that explores what happens when an individual is trapped in the gears of a system that has forgotten how to be humane. This performance left a strong emotional impression on the audience and will certainly not be forgotten for a long time," states the explanation of the decision of the Jury, which this year consisted of: Zorica Pančić, actress, Vladimir Tuliev, actor and Eleonora Teova, director.
The award for best leading actor went to actor Aleksandar Radulović.
"The central male role in this dynamically staged play required both technical precision and creative adaptability, and Aleksandar Radulović met this challenge with exceptional control and suggestiveness. His interpretation was based on a strong sense of structure. What stood out most was the actor's ability to remain clear in both physical and emotional expression, even when the setting was changing rapidly. He maintained a consistent line of character. His transitions between emotional states were clean and legible, which contributed to his performance leaving a strong impression," the Jury stated.
The award for best director went to Boris Liješević.
"The director approached the play from a contemporary perspective, shaping it as a form of socially and politically engaged theater. His vision extended beyond traditional storytelling, with the aim of encouraging reflection and dialogue on current social issues. The play was not just a display of a narrative, but an active commentary on the world in which it exists. This directorial approach resulted in perfect rhythm, tension and strong collective play. His method reflects a commitment to theater as a living political act and is an excellent example of what politically engaged theater should look like," the Jury said in the explanation of the award decision.
On behalf of the Montenegrin National Theatre and the winners, the awards were received by the director of the national theatre, Ilija Subotić, and presented by Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of North Macedonia, and Daniel Janevski, President of the Veles Municipal Assembly.
Subotić points out that the success in Veles once again confirms the highest artistic achievements of the Montenegrin National Theatre on a broader scale.
"Our national theater continuously contributes to contemporary theatrical expression and an engaged approach, reflecting on current social issues and confirming its recognizable artistic reputation through the most significant regional awards and recognitions," Subotić told Macedonian media.
The award ceremony in Veles was also attended by the show's executive producer, Danilo Milatović.
The roles in the play "The Other Side" are performed by: Aleksandar Radulović, Lazar Đurđević, Kristina Obradović, Žana Gardašević-Bulatović, Sanja Vujisić, Jadranka Mamic, Danilo Čelebić, Zoran Vujović, Ana Vujošević, Mirjana Spaić, Tihana Ćulafić, Jelena Minić, Jelena Nenezić, Julija Milačić Petrović-Njegoš, Anja Misović, Jovan Dabović, Ivona Raković and Anđela Marunović.
The playwrights are Stela Mišković and Stefan Bošković, costume designer Lejla Hodžić, set designer Andreja Rondović, composer Nina Perović, choreographer Tamara Vujošević-Mandić, assistant directors Nataša Milićević and Mirjana Spajić, assistant set designer Jelena Ivančević, and assistant costume designer Gordana Bulatović.
Repertoires of the Montenegrin National Theatre are also available on all flights of the national airline Air Montenegro.
