20 Years of a Journey Through the Theatre Galaxy
Zvezdarište has reached its twentieth edition — mature, strong, courageous, and still curious. Behind us are years in which the festival has taken shape, evolved, and grown alongside its audience, always remaining true to the belief that theatre is an essential part of growing up.
From its very first steps and the excitement of its premiere edition, through moments of reflection and new discoveries, to where it stands today — Zvezdarište has become a recognizable meeting place for artists, children, and young people. In a relatively short time, the festival has outgrown its local beginnings and developed into a regional platform for theatre created for and with children and youth. Over the past twenty years, Zvezdarište has presented more than 250 performances from Serbia and the region, as well as from Italy, Hungary, Lithuania, and China. Its juries, workshop leaders, and program moderators have included some of the most distinguished theatre artists — actors, directors, and playwrights. More than one hundred creative workshops, exhibitions, discussions, and events have been realized, while over 100,000 children and young people have experienced the magic of theatre — filled with emotion, friendship, applause, and laughter.
From its very first spark and its very first star, Zvezdarište has been created with the belief that children deserve the very best — the best stories, the highest-quality culture, genuine attention, and a space where they can freely imagine, create, and grow.
Today, two decades later, we can proudly say that this idea has lived and grown together with generations of children who have been part of the festival — as audience members, participants, volunteers, and today as artists, creators, and collaborators. With the same enthusiasm and belief in the power of theatre, we look to the future. We explore new paths, listen to the voices of young people, and continue to create space for generations to come — to discover, embrace, and understand theatre as their own world, as something that belongs to them. Zvezdarište is a shared story. Everyone who has been part of it has left a mark and added their own light. And so, as we celebrate this twentieth festival, we continue to build that colorful sky — open to all the new stars yet to shine.
