A major cultural controversy has erupted in Serbia as allegations of political interference shake the Belgrade International Theater Festival (BITEF). The dispute, centred on claims of censorship and the withdrawal of a play by Swiss director Milo Rau, highlights mounting tensions between artists and the government amid a wider climate of protests and accusations of repression.
Allegations of censorship threw a major theater festival in Serbia into turmoil on Monday, as the government faces increasing complaints it is stifling dissent while trying to face down long-running protests.
Artists claim the Belgrade International Theater Festival (BITEF), long regarded as an outlet for free expression, is now under political pressure — facing sharply reduced funding and changes to its artistic leadership.
In the latest move, the festival withdrew a play by Swiss director Milo Rau, prompting two members of BITEF’s artistic board — festival director Milos Lolic and playwright Borisav Matic — to resign in protest.
The pair told local broadcaster N1 they believed the decision was due to Rau’s appearance at the event last year.
The Swiss director had criticised a proposal for a lithium mine in Serbia — a state-backed project that sparked opposition in the Balkan country.
“It is without a doubt the most damaging action against artistic freedom I have experienced in two decades as an artist and curator,” Rau said in a statement sent to AFP.
“One of Europe’s most important festivals is being dismantled before our eyes, for no comprehensible reason.”
Since the start of anti-government protests that have shaken Serbia for almost a year, creatives have complained of a growing government backlash against dissenting voices.
The anti-corruption protests, which were triggered by the fatal collapse of a canopy at a newly renovated train station last November, quickly gained broad public support, including from many artists, especially actors.
Earlier this year, the newly appointed managers of the National Theatre banned on-stage political statements, triggering a protest by the ensemble.
Some music festivals have also reportedly withdrawn invitations to bands that openly supported the students.
Rau was due to present his play The Pelicot Trial about the case of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, who was drugged and raped by her former husband and dozens of strangers in a crime that shocked the world.
BITEF is scheduled for the second half of November, although no final date has been set.
With AFP
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