The premiere of The Dresser by Ronald Harwood, directed by Paolo Magelli, will take place on Friday, 8th May, at 8 p.m. at the “Ljuba Tadić” Main Stage.
The Dresser takes us into the theatre at a moment when the world outside is unstoppably falling apart. The story unfolds in a wartime setting—a war taking place sometime in the past or perhaps right now (but certainly in a time we can recognize), where the theatre becomes a kind of bunker, a sanctuary from the external chaos, but also a space for the internal struggles of the individual. Under these circumstances, a touring theatre company continues to perform day after day, defying the reality that surrounds them. For them, theatre is not a luxury—it becomes a necessity, the final line of defense for one’s identity.
At the heart of this fragile system lies the relationship between the great actor, “Sir,” and his dresser, Norman. Their bond transcends professional boundaries, growing into a deep, almost existential interdependence: without Norman, Sir loses control and the ability to perform; whereas Norman, without Sir, loses his purpose and identity. Each exists thanks to the illusion the other maintains.
The play will be performed with the following cast: Voja Brajović, Miki Manojlović, Sloboda Mićalović, Branka Petrić, Nikola Rakočević, Miloš Samolov, Marta Bogosavljević, Simo Đukić, Rade Stojiljković and Nemanja Aćimović.
The dramaturg is Željka Udovičić Pleština, the scenographer is Darko Nedeljković, and the costume designer is Lana Cvijanović. The video author is Ivan Marušić Klif, while music was composed by the band KOIKOI, and the stage speech is shaped by Ljiljana Mrkić Popović.
The play is in the repertoire and subsequent performances are scheduled for 10th, 13th and 26th May.
