Comedy Triumphs in Podgorica, Promoting Dialogue and Unity

The premiere of the play “to Demetra, The Women’s Day #1” in Podgorica has brought to the forefront the power of comedy as a tool against apathy, fear, and societal divisions. This production, part of the European project “ABC – Abeceda ljubavi,” draws inspiration from Aristophanes’ classic work, “Women at the Thesmophoria.” Directed by Fabio Toledi, the play aims to foster dialogue and cultural exchange through humor.

Toledi emphasized the significance of audience engagement, stating, “Every performance carries its challenges, but for me, the most important aspect is the connection with the audience. I hope we have succeeded in establishing a strong contact and a shared space for exchange.” He expressed the belief that comedy serves as a vital instrument for democracy, freedom, and dialogue, enabling communication across diverse cultures and identities.

The cast, featuring actors from various countries, adds to the richness of the performance. “This collaboration creates a strong energy and an authentic relationship on stage,” Toledi remarked. He highlighted that the project is particularly important in Montenegro, a melting pot of cultures and identities. Following its premiere, the play is set to be performed in Spain, Poland, Tunisia, and Italy, expanding its reach and impact.

Young actress Milica Kekic shared her experience of stepping out of her comfort zone while working with international artists. “They are fun, talented, and professional. Networking is a beautiful concept, and I believe it has been well realized,” she noted. Kekic pointed out the play’s timely theme, addressing the absurdity of war and conflict in today’s world.

Actress Roberta Kvarta from the Italian Astragali Theatre remarked on the long-standing international collaboration that brought this performance to life. “The play we presented in Podgorica is the result of a project that gathered actors from Italy, Tunisia, Turkey, Finland, Spain, and Poland. We explore the absurdity of conflict, war, and violence, as well as gender-based issues through Aristophanes’ lens,” she explained. Kvarta believes that comedy is a powerful means of reflecting on freedom, solidarity, and democracy.

Musical contributions to the play come from composers Andrea Doremi, Roberto Galjardi, Gianluca Milaneze, and Mauro Tre. Additionally, the production utilized innovative technology from the AVR Lab at the University of Salento, enhancing the overall experience.

This performance marks the first act in a trilogy inspired by Aristophanes’ works. Kvarta elaborated, “While the subsequent plays are rooted in ancient times, they directly address contemporary issues of gender relations, conflict, and social responsibility. We believe that theatre, especially comedy, has the power to connect people and cultures, regardless of national and identity differences.”

The “ABC – The Alphabet of Love” project is a four-year international initiative that encompasses prestigious partners, including the Grotowski Institute in Poland, Aykart in Tunisia, the Foundation for Dance “Alicia Alonso” at Rey Juan Carlos University in Spain, the Museums and Galleries of Podgorica in collaboration with the City Theatre of Podgorica, and the AVR Lab at the University of Salento in Italy.

As the project unfolds, it promises to continue engaging audiences with themes that resonate globally, illustrating the enduring relevance of comedy in addressing serious societal issues.