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Juventafest
Location	Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Founded	2013
Founded by	Jasna Diklić
Selector	Asja Krsmanović
Festival date	September
Website	www.juventafest.ba

Juventafest is an annual international theater festival held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, that celebrates youth theater.^[1] The festival typically takes place in September and showcases performances by young theater artists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries. Known for its focus on creative exploration and social themes, Juventafest has become an important platform for young performers, directors, and theater professionals.^[2] Since its inception, the festival has contributed to Sarajevo’s reputation as a city of culture and artistic expression.^[3]

History

Juventafest was established in 2013 by a group of Bosnian theatre professionals headed by acclaimed actress Jasna Diklić to promote youth theater and provide a collaborative platform for young artists from diverse backgrounds.^[4] Organized by the Juventafest Association, the festival emphasizes the development of theater skills and encourages young people to express themselves through art. The festival’s founders believed that fostering young talent in theater would help enrich the cultural landscape of Sarajevo while providing a space for young people to engage with challenging social issues through creative performance.^[5]

Over the years, Juventafest has grown both in scope and reputation, attracting theater troupes from across Europe and beyond. It has established itself as one of the leading youth theater festivals in the Balkans, with an ever-increasing number of participants and audience members.^[6]

Mission

The mission of Juventafest, as stated in its charter, is to empower young people through theater and promote intercultural exchange and cooperation among youth from different countries. The festival aims to:

Support Youth Theater: By showcasing the work of young theater groups, Juventafest encourages creativity, innovation, and exploration in the performing arts.^[7]

Address Social Issues: Many of the performances tackle relevant social themes, such as identity, mental health, discrimination, and human rights, offering a platform for youth to voice their perspectives.^[8]

Encourage Education and Training: The festival provides workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by experienced theater professionals, allowing young artists to develop their skills and deepen their understanding of theater.^[9]

Foster International Collaboration: Juventafest brings together theater troupes from various countries, promoting dialogue and collaboration across cultural and linguistic boundaries.^[10]

Events and Program

Juventafest typically spans several days, with an extensive program that includes performances, workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions. These events take place at various venues across Sarajevo, including established theaters, cultural centers, and open-air spaces.^[11]

1. Theater Performances

• The core of Juventafest is the performances staged by youth theater groups. These performances showcase a wide range of styles and themes, often reflecting the social concerns and artistic sensibilities of young people. Productions include dramas, comedies, experimental theater, and adaptations of classic works.

2. Workshops and Masterclasses^[12]

• Led by theater professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, these sessions allow participants to learn various aspects of theater, such as acting, directing, movement, voice, stage design, and dramaturgy. The workshops aim to enhance young artists’ technical skills and inspire them to push the boundaries of their creative expression.

3. Panel Discussions and Roundtables^[13]

• These discussions provide a forum for participants and audience members to explore relevant topics in theater and youth culture. Panel discussions often focus on the role of theater in addressing social issues, the challenges faced by young artists, and the future of youth theater.

4. Awards and Recognitions^[14]

• Juventafest concludes with an award ceremony to honor outstanding performances and achievements. Categories may include Best Performance, Best Actor/Actress, Best Director, and Audience Award. The awards are meant to recognize artistic excellence and encourage young artists in their careers.^[15]

Venues

Performances and events at Juventafest are held in multiple venues throughout Sarajevo,^[16] including:

Sarajevo Youth Theatre (Pozorište mladih Sarajevo): The main venue for Juventafest, known for its commitment to youth theater and cultural development.

Sarajevo National Theater: This historic theater often hosts the festival’s opening or closing ceremonies, providing a prestigious setting for performances.

Open Stage Obala: As a training institution for future theater professionals, the Academy of Performing Arts's Open Stage Obala frequently collaborates with Juventafest on workshops and masterclasses.

Bosnian Cultural Center: Some performances and workshops take place in the BKC.

Jelićeva Theatre: Some performances and workshops take place in the Jelićeva Theatre.

Various Outdoor Spaces: Some performances and workshops take place outdoors, allowing for an interactive experience with the city and its residents.

Cultural and Social Impact

Juventafest has had a significant impact on Sarajevo’s cultural life by promoting youth engagement in the arts. The festival provides young people with a voice, encouraging them to tackle complex social issues through the medium of theater. Additionally, Juventafest promotes cultural tourism in Sarajevo, drawing visitors from various countries and enhancing the city’s image as a cultural hub.^[17]

The festival’s focus on youth theater and socially conscious themes has fostered a sense of community among young artists, educators, and audiences. Juventafest not only helps develop the next generation of theater professionals but also raises awareness of the power of the arts in addressing social and cultural issues. By hosting international participants, the festival promotes intercultural dialogue and understanding, creating an environment in which young people can learn from one another and broaden their perspectives.^[18]

Notable Performances and Participants

Over the years, Juventafest has hosted numerous youth theater groups from countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, and beyond. Notable performances have addressed a range of issues, including:

Mental Health: Performances that tackle topics such as depression, anxiety, and self-acceptance, reflecting the struggles faced by young people in contemporary society.

Social Identity and Discrimination: Productions that explore themes of identity, race, and prejudice, challenging audiences to think critically about societal divisions.^[19]

Environmental Issues: Some groups have used theater to address topics like climate change and environmental responsibility, emphasizing the importance of protecting the planet for future generations.

Financing

As a non-profit organization, Juventafest faces challenges related to funding and sponsorship. The festival relies on support from government agencies, cultural organizations, and private sponsors.^[20] Financial constraints have at times limited the festival’s ability to expand its program or invite more international participants. Despite these challenges, the festival organizers remain committed to growing Juventafest as a premier platform for youth theater.^[21]