Celebrating Blagota Eraković: A Tribute to a Theatrical Pioneer

A comprehensive tribute to the renowned Montenegrin director, Blagota Eraković, unfolded recently at the Crnogorsko narodno pozorište (CNP). The event marked the launch of the book titled “Među svima kao da je sam – priča o Blagoti Erakoviću,” authored by Aleksandar Milosavljević. The press hall was filled to capacity, with additional chairs being brought in to accommodate the enthusiastic audience eager to engage with Eraković’s impressive legacy.

Eraković, reflecting on his extensive career, recalled that he signed his first directing contract over 60 years ago. Upon joining CNP, he expressed gratitude for encountering legends of Montenegrin theatre including Dragica Tomas, Bora Begović, and Nade Blažević. He noted, “They were truly exceptional actors. I had much to learn from them, and they welcomed me wholeheartedly.” Eraković shared a poignant memory from a conversation with writer Danilo Kiš, where Kiš remarked on the privilege of having a homeland, highlighting the significance of identity and belonging in the world of theatre.

Milosević emphasized that the book serves not only as a narrative of Eraković’s journey but also as a reflection of the Crnogorsko narodno pozorište and, by extension, Montenegro itself. He stated, “All of this is encapsulated in this book because everything is Blagota Eraković.” He highlighted Eraković’s crucial role in the revival of CNP after a devastating fire, noting, “It was necessary to rebuild the theatre while preserving it amidst financial hardship. This was Blagota Eraković’s mission.”

Eraković as a Bridge Between Eras

Milosević characterized Eraković as an artist who connects different epochs of theatre history. He remarked, “Before his era, there was little to build upon. During his time, as a director, he created something that brought Montenegrin directing into new realms.” Vasko Raičević, the book’s editor, noted that Eraković pioneered a modern aesthetic in Montenegrin theatre. “His career coincided with significant changes in our theatre, marking the transition from archaic practices to a modernized theatrical aesthetic,” he explained.

According to Janko Ljumović, Milosavljević shaped the book to transcend conventional monograph models. “By combining a creatively structured interview with Eraković, carefully selected texts from contemporaries and theatre critics, and rich archival documentation, the author crafts a multi-layered portrait of a director whose work has defined the evolution of modern Montenegrin and Yugoslav theatre,” he stated. This innovative approach allows readers to see Eraković’s contributions as part of a broader cultural and theatrical system.

The publication’s unique value lies in its intertwining of Eraković’s personal biography with his professional history. Ljumović remarked, “The book testifies not only to one director’s story but also to the development of theatrical art in Montenegro and the wider regional context.” The voices of numerous authors, including Boža Koprivica and Sreten Perović, alongside Eraković’s own memories and archival texts, showcase the maturation of directorial theatre in Montenegro.

A Lasting Legacy in Montenegrin Theatre

Ljumović underscored the significance of Eraković’s major works and their role in shaping repertoire policies and promoting Montenegrin drama. The book details a range of theatres and festivals that feature Eraković’s directorial signature, highlighting his contributions to the premiering of essential classical and contemporary works.

Although Ilija Subotić, the director of CNP, could not attend the launch due to unavoidable circumstances, his speech was read to the audience, reinforcing the importance of Eraković’s legacy within Montenegrin culture.

The event not only celebrated a significant figure in theatre but also illuminated the profound impact of his work on the cultural landscape of Montenegro, marking a poignant moment in the history of the country’s artistic community.