Dear colleagues, collaborators, and young and theatre lovers of all ages,

Welcome to Nis and to our theatre, and welcome to the Second International Theater Festival for Children and Youth, The Smile Of Nis.

It is a great pleasure for me that our city and the Puppet Theatre have opened their doors to artists and theatres from other countries and from cities across Serbia, with the desire to create a space for encounters, exchanges of experience, and smiles.

This year’s edition confirms that The Smile of Nis festival has demonstrated how necessary and valuable such a festival is for the cultural profile of the city of Nis in every respect.

In the days ahead, we will have the opportunity to see as many as thirteen performances from eight countries in the competition programme, demonstrating that The Smile of Nis is becoming an important presence on the festival map of the theatre dedicated to children and youth.

Many thanks to all the artists and theatres who accepted our invitation and, by joining us, have made this festival more abundant and diverse.

My thanks also go to our patrons, the professional jury, our collaborators, and everyone whose knowledge, work, and energy have contributed to making the festival possible. I would also like to thank our audience – parents, early-years educators, teachers and, of course, children and young people.

On behalf of the Puppet Theatre and on my own behalf, I wish you a warm welcome and many memorable theatrical moments.

Enjoy the performances and the cultural landmarks of our beautiful city. And, most importantly, do not forget to smile.

Long live the theatre! And let The Smile of Nis begin!

 

Milica Radulović, PhD