12th Shakespeare Festival in Serbia

The 12th Shakespeare Festival Unveils a Bold New Programme
An open-air theatrical journey through Shakespeare’s masterpieces returns to Villa Stanković

Čortanovci, Serbia — The Shakespeare Festival, the only event of its kind in Serbia, proudly announces the programme for its 12th edition, set to take place from July 3 to 6, 2025, at the stunning Villa Stanković in Čortanovci. This year’s festival continues its mission to bring fresh and creative interpretations of Shakespeare’s works to a wide audience, with performances staged by prominent regional theatre schools and institutions.

The festival opens on Thursday, July 3, with The Two Gentlemen of Verona, performed by the Academy of Arts from Banja Luka, directed by Ilija Zaitsev. On Friday, July 4, The Merry Wives of Windsor will be brought to life by a collaboration between Kruševac Theatre and the City Theatre “Semberija” from Bijeljina, under the direction of Sonja Petrović.

The weekend programme features two exciting productions by Belgrade-based drama schools. On Saturday, July 5, the Faculty of Dramatic Arts presents the ever-enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Marija Milenković. The festival concludes on Sunday, July 6, with The Forgotten Shakespeare, a contemporary take on lesser-known texts, performed by the Faculty of Contemporary Arts and directed by Hadži Nenad Maričić.

Held in the open-air, in the evocative surroundings of Villa Stanković — a site that mirrors the spirit of Shakespeare’s era — the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience theatre as it was originally intended: beneath the stars, in close communion with the audience.

Founded in 2014 by renowned Serbian director Nikita Milivojević, following the success of his production of Henry VI at London’s Globe Theatre, the Shakespeare Festival has become a cultural highlight each summer. Beyond showcasing Shakespeare in new and relevant ways, the festival has also played a key role in opening up Villa Stanković — previously closed to the public — as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination.

MAIN PROGRAMME
Villa Stanković, Čortanovci

Thursday, July 3 at 8:00 PM
THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA
Academy of Arts, Banja Luka
Directed by: Ilija Zaitsev

Friday, July 4 at 8:00 PM
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Kruševac Theatre / City Theatre “Semberija” Bijeljina
Directed by: Sonja Petrović

2025

Saturday, July 5 at 8:00 PM
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Faculty of Dramatic Arts, Belgrade
Directed by: Marija Milenković

Sunday, July 6 at 8:00 PM
THE FORGOTTEN SHAKESPEARE
Faculty of Contemporary Arts, Belgrade
Directed by: Hadži Nenad Maričić