LocationsWhen art speaks of the past, it does so with tenderness, courage, and deep respect for human experience
The reconciling power of art: “Death in Dubrovnik” brings communities together
September 19, 2025
Premiere performance of the play in Podgorica in June 2024.
UNDP Montenegro/ Krsto Vulović
You stand and stare at Dubrovnik. At the most famous postcard from the country you defend. You stand and stare, then sit and stare. Someone over there will shout – “fire,” and you will set fire to the sea, the ships, the walls, and the rooftops. You stand and stare. The most beautiful war camp in the world. You’ve stood and stared like this before: at Titograd, Priština, Sarajevo, Srebrenica.dramaturge, Anja Pletikosa
The play Death in Dubrovnik, which premiered in Podgorica in June 2024, demonstrates how theatre can serve as a space for encounter, dialogue, and shared remembrance. Through a powerful artistic expression, this production connects people and invites understanding. The awards it recently received at the Festival of International Alternative Theatre (FIAT) in Podgorica, following its recognition at the Marulić Days Festival in Split in April this year, confirm that sincere efforts to build trust and nurture memory through culture are recognised and valued across the region. This is not only a recognition of artistic excellence, but also of the importance of such initiatives in strengthening unity in the Western Balkans.
Invitation to the play "Death in Dubrovnik"
UNDP Montenegro/ Krsto Vulović
After receiving an award at the Marulić Days, the play Death in Dubrovnik, produced by the Drama Studio Prazan Prostor in collaboration with the Human Rights Action (HRA), was performed again in Podgorica—this time as part of FIAT, which took place from September 5 to 15—where it received three important jury recognitions.
Death in Dubrovnik brought the Nikola Bošković Award for Best Young Actor/Actress to Miloš Kašćelan for an outstanding performance in the play, the Best Actress Award to Maša Božović, whose interpretation delivered a remarkably strong and memorable acting contribution, and the Best Actor Award to Pavle Prelević for his exceptional performance in Death in Dubrovnik.
The play earned these significant accolades while continuing to captivate audiences, following its recognition as Best Play at the 35th Marulić Days in Split, Croatia. This prestigious award is a testament to the quality and impactful storytelling of the production, directed by Petar Pejaković. Additionally, the play received the Dramaturgy Award at Marulić Days, awarded to Anja Pletikosa.
Emir Ćatović, one of the actors in the play, during preparations for the premiere performance in Podgorica.
UNDP Montenegro/ Krsto Vulović
The success of the play at Marulić Days is not only a victory for its creators, but also a meaningful contribution to regional dialogue on the past and reconciliation processes in the Western Balkans
Death in Dubrovnik offers a raw and poignant portrayal of the siege of Dubrovnik, inviting audiences to reflect deeply on history. The festival jury praised the play for its artistic commitment to truth and reconciliation, highlighting its ability to bring communities together through powerful narratives and artistic expression.
Through its compelling storytelling, Death in Dubrovnik fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, bridging divides and promoting peace.
“Death in Dubrovnik is an artistic exposure of its authors, a bare truth, an extraordinary theatrical event that is rarely seen,”said dramaturge Anja Pletikosa.
Dramaturge Anja Pletikosa emphasized that the play has the potential to affirm free thought and artistic expression in the region, especially in the face of challenges faced by those who speak outside dominant narratives.
“Even today, more than a year after the premiere, I am still thrilled, in love, and fulfilled when I think about this play,” she added.
She expressed concern that despite its value, the play might be ignored or discredited—not only by the public, but also by those who manage cultural resources and institutions. Still, she concluded that there is nothing offensive in this work—on the contrary, it is pure beauty.
The play is a manifestation of memory culture, standing in contrast to the widespread (non)culture of forgetting. Its script is based on more than thirty testimonies collected by Human Rights Action and Empty Space, with the aim of confronting the public—especially in Montenegro—with the truth about the war waged in Dubrovnik and its surroundings. As is well known, failing to face the real past creates conditions for history to repeat itself.
The play challenges audience to rebuild shared memory of the history
UNDP Montenegro/ Krsto Vulović
The play contributes to building trust across the region by provoking audiences to re-examine history and construct a shared memory. By addressing the painful events of the siege of Dubrovnik, this work encourages open dialogue and understanding among diverse communities. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of learning from the past to prevent future tragedies.
From its premiere in Podgorica in December last year, followed by performances in Kotor, Kolašin, and Cetinje, the play has paved its way to the festival scene and regional recognition. It was notably featured at the Korifej and FIAT festivals in Montenegro, affirming its artistic strength and social relevance. The award at Marulić Days in Split further solidified its success and opened doors to new regional performances.
Death in Dubrovnik continues its journey across the region—after its appearance in the Memory Module segment of the MESS Festival in Sarajevo, upcoming performances are scheduled in Skopje on 28 September and Belgrade on 25 November, continuing its mission of connecting communities through art.
This achievement was made possible with the support of the European Union and the regional UNDP project “EU Support to Confidence Building in the Western Balkans”, through the allocation of grants for initiatives that promote peace and awareness of the crimes committed during the 1990s in the former Yugoslavia. One of these initiatives is Death in Dubrovnik, a joint effort by Human Rights Action and Empty Space.
"Standing ovation at the end of the play "Death in Dubrovnik"
UNDP Montenegro/ Krsto Vulović