Sarajevo's National Theater Battles Decay and Financial Crisis

The National Theater Sarajevo (NPS) is facing many challenges. Its building is in poor condition, with toilets barely functional, failing heating and cooling systems, and a crumbling facade. Vedran Tuce, the newly appointed director, discussed these issues. A crucial workshop, which stored sets and costumes, was closed due to safety concerns caused by ground settlement near Skenderija. This workshop had suffered from decades of neglect.

Workers are now moving materials from the old workshop to a temporary rented space. Finding funds for this new space is a fresh problem. These difficulties mean the theater will produce fewer new plays than audiences are used to. Tuce warned that if urgent action isn't taken, the main NPS building could suffer the same fate as the workshop.

Tuce believes there is not enough money for culture. He pointed out that funds are often available for politicians' salaries and less impactful projects. He stressed that investing more in culture leads to a more cultured society, and there is no limit to what culture needs.

He describes his role as an "impossible mission" due to daily challenges. The theater is understaffed. It relies heavily on external workers. Delays in payments mean some collaborators refuse to work until their debts are settled.

Accusations of nepotism in hiring have surfaced. Tuce acknowledged that such rumors often indicate some truth. However, he stated that hiring processes in public cultural institutions are complex. Artists also undergo auditions, making it difficult for irregularities to occur.

The NPS recently premiered its first musical. Tuce noted that musicals are popular but expensive. While the theater lacks extensive resources for this genre, it aims to support young, talented artists to include musicals in its regular program.

Director Haris Pašović criticized Sarajevo's four public theaters. He claimed that most recent premieres used foreign directors, suggesting "systematic destruction of domestic directing." Tuce responded that it is impossible to satisfy every artist.

Despite the current problems, Tuce has a clear vision for the theater. He hopes it will become the city's most beautiful building, with a repertoire so appealing that tourists will plan trips to Sarajevo specifically to see its shows.