Mira Stupica - actress of the century

Mira Stupica

Belgrade, Nov. 14, 2001 - Days of Mira Stupica, "the actress of the century," as author of this project Slobodan Jokovic called her, will take place in the Belgrade National Theatre from Nov. 24 to 27 - to her honour, it will be more than a holiday of an extraordinary artist who celebrates her 60th anniversary on the stage.

"If I have to carry the burden of my fame, then I ask you to award Zanka Stokic for the first half of the century, and I will somehow handle the second part myself," said Mira Stupica.

"This is one of the greatest cultural events in my mandate. Her life has been eventful and interesting. I simply hung every word about her personality. I express my gratitude for everything she has done," Serbian Minister of Culture Branislav Lecic said at the yesterday's press conference.

Mira Stupica

The programme envisages presentation of Mira Stupica's book "Handful of salt," and exhibition of photographs and documents, as well as the choice by the honouree -performances by Gudaci svetog Djordja (St George's Strings), the Slovenski oktet (Slovene Octet) from Ljubljana, Rade Serbedzija, Dragoljub Djuricic and the drum players, Ana Kostovska from Skopje, Mihajlo Janketic etc.

"Comedians," musical directed by Predrag Bajcetic and performed by the 3rd year Drama Faculty students and "Barrel of Gunpowder" in performance of the Jugoslovensko Dramsko Pozoriste (Yugoslav Drama Theatre) will take place. On the last night, the Crnogorsko Narodno Pozoriste (Montenegrin National Theatre) will perform "Princess Ksenija of Montenegro," directed by Radmila Vojvidic, with Mira Stupica in the leading role.

"Occupation of an actor is ephemeral, and therefore we do not wish to be loved during our lifetime," said Mira Stupica. "Since lights are again turned to me, I've been experiencing nice things, I get more than I deserve."

The income from the performances in honour of the actress will be given to the Fund for the help to the pensioned actors, members of the Serbian Association of dramatic artists.