MESS International Theatre Festival – Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2025

Background & History

The MESS International Theatre Festival, founded in 1960 as the Festival of Small and Experimental Stages of Yugoslavia, is the oldest living theatre festival in the Balkans. Initiated by renowned director Jurislav Korenić, it was a cornerstone of Yugoslav theatre, emphasizing experimental and innovative performances. Renamed during the Bosnian War under director Haris Pašović, MESS became a symbol of cultural resistance, hosting directors like Susan Sontag and Peter Schumann during the Siege of Sarajevo (1992–1995). It also birthed the Sarajevo Film Festival in 1993.

Today, MESS is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s largest theatre festival, presenting over 20 international and local productions annually, with a focus on avant-garde and emerging artists. The festival expanded to Zenica in 2009 for regional programs and includes initiatives like the Memory Module, MESS Scene, MESS Library, Little MESS, and Dramadžiluk, fostering theatre, memory, and cultural dialogue.

Event Highlights

• Main Program: Over 20 productions from global and regional artists, emphasizing experimental and contemporary theatre. The 2025 selector, Petra Pogorevc, chose two Bosnian plays: The World and the Rose by Selma Spahić (based on Aleksandar Hemon’s novel, directed by Spahić, produced by Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR and Realstage) and The Blue by Feđo Štukan (adapted/directed by Kokan Mladenović, produced by Kamerni Teatar 55 and Moje Pozorište). International performances TBD, typically featuring directors like Oliver Frljić or Sebastian Nübling (past examples).
• MESS Scene: Production segment promoting theatrical freedom and regional/international collaboration. Features play like Cetovi (12 July, Tuzla National Theatre) and Ksnij (28 July, Malo Romano Kazalište, Brijuni).
• Memory Module: Launched in 1996, this multimedia program (6 April – 9 May 2025) preserves memories of Bosnia’s tragic past through art. Events include:
  • Tree of Memory: 4 April, 12:00, Koševo green area, honoring cultural workers from the siege.
  • Opening of Memory Module 2025: 4 April, 18:00, Museum of Literature and Theatre Arts of BiH.
  • Photo Exhibition – April 1975: Phnom Penh – Saigon: 8 April, 18:00, National Museum of BiH.
  • Exhibition – We Must Not Stop Talking About Gaza: 11 April, 18:00, Bosnian Cultural Center.
  • Documentary Screening – Phoenix from Gaza: 11 April, 18:30, Bosnian Cultural Center.
  • Photo Exhibition – Man from the East: 17 April, 18:00, JAVA Gallery.
  • Documentary Screening – From Ground Zero: 18 April, 18:00, Meeting Point Cinema.
  • Monograph Promotion – Memory Module 30 Years: 25 April, 18:00, Figure Studio.
  • Documentary Screening – What You Are Gone: 8 May, 18:00, Meeting Point Cinema.
  • Play – Death in Dubrovnik: 9 May, 19:00, Sarajevo War Theatre SARTR.
• Little MESS: Free children’s program (Mali MESS) to popularize theatre through educational and cultural activities. Past examples include Chotto Desh (free, 2024).
• Dramadžiluk: Launched in 2023, promotes Bosnian and regional playwriting via staged readings and an online drama archive. 2025 features texts like Man in the Dark (Paul Auster), Burnt Toast (Trine Falch), Where We Don’t Go (Adnan Lugonić), and My Sad Monsters – Autograph for Milica (Mate Matišić). Includes discussions with eminent playwrights.
• MESS Library: Publishes contemporary Bosnian and global dramaturgy, e.g., Mortal Combined: Polish Drama of the XXI Century, Women of Sarajevo Under Siege, Theatre in Wartime Sarajevo 1992–1995, Gender and Transition, and My Name is Rachel Corrie. Free book distribution at select events.
• Awards: The International jury evaluates performances for Best Performance, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress, and Audience Award. Past winners include Josip Pejaković (Golden Laurel Wreath).
• Cultural Events: Workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions. Notable 2025 focus: New Avignon Declaration solidarity with Palestine, led by director Nihad Kreševljaković.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues (Bosnian National Theatre, SARTR, Kamerni Teatar 55). English/Bosnian subtitles for select performances. Contact press@mess.ba for assistance.
• Eco-Initiatives: Encourage public transport (trams, buses) and digital programs to reduce waste. Reusable cups at select venues (~BAM 2 deposit, speculative).

Date & Duration

• Dates: 4–12 October 2025 (9 days, main festival). Memory Module: 6 April – 9 May 2025.
• Hours: Performances typically 19:00–22:00 (main program), 18:00–20:00 (Memory Module). Workshops/discussions daytime (TBD, check mess.ba).
• Note: All-ages for main festival; Little MESS for children (under 14s need supervision). April/October weather (50–65°F, rain possible); bring light jackets. Full schedule at mess.ba (September 2025).

Main Event Address

• Venues:
  • Bosnian National Theatre: Obala Kulina bana 9, 71000 Sarajevo (main stage, large productions).
  • Kamerni Teatar 55: Maršala Tita 54/I, 71000 Sarajevo (intimate plays).
  • Sarajevo War Theatre (SARTR): Gabelina 16, 71000 Sarajevo (experimental works).
  • Sarajevo Youth Theatre: Kulovica 8, 71000 Sarajevo (youth-focused, regional plays).
  • Bosnian Cultural Center: Branilaca Sarajeva 24, 71000 Sarajevo (Memory Module).
  • Museum of Literature and Theatre Arts of BiH: Sime Milutinovića Sarajlije 7, 71000 Sarajevo (Memory Module).
  • National Museum of BiH: Zmaja od Bosne 3, 71000 Sarajevo (exhibitions).
  • JAVA Gallery: Maršala Tita 21, 71000 Sarajevo (photo exhibitions).
  • Meeting Point Cinema: Hamdije Kreševljakovića 13, 71000 Sarajevo (documentaries).
  • Figure Studio: Radićeva 7, 71000 Sarajevo (monograph events).
• Administrative Contact: MESS Festival, Maršala Tita 54/I, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; press@mess.ba; +387 33 200 392, +387 33 211 972 (Mon–Fri, 8:00–16:30).
• Note: Wheelchair-accessible venues. Public transport: trams (lines 3, 6 to Marijin Dvor, 5-minute walk to Bosnian National Theatre), buses (Centar stop, 10-minute walk). Limited parking (~BAM 5/day, disability parking free). Bicycle racks (~10–15 spaces, free).

Contact Information

• Email: press@mess.ba (inquiries, press, accessibility); knihad@mess.ba (director).
• Phone: +387 33 200 392, +387 33 211 972 (Mon–Fri, 8:00–16:30).
• Website: https://mess.ba
• Social Media: @festivalmess (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube).
• Press: Contact Una Bejtović (press@mess.ba) for accreditation (deadline September 2025).
• Team:
  • Director: Nihad Kreševljaković (knihad@mess.ba).
  • Production: Lejla Hasanbegović (hlejla@mess.ba), Belma Jusufović (belma@mess.ba), Hana Bajrović Čardaković (hana@mess.ba).
  • Organization: Ira Isović (ira@mess.ba).
  • Protocol: Dajana Gurda (dajana@mess.ba).
  • Finance: Mirsada Škriljelj (bmirsada@mess.ba).
  • Administration: Aida Salihović (aida@mess.ba), Naida Đugumović (naida@mess.ba).
  • Legal: Alen Bukva (alen@mess.ba).
  • Designer: Sanja Kulenović (sanja@mess.ba).
  • Technical Director: Momčilo Lađević (tehnika@mess.ba).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Volunteer inquiries via press@mess.ba.

Ticket Information

• Admission (based on 2024, speculative for 2025):
  • Main Program (Bosnian National Theatre): BAM 20 (~$11.20 USD), BAM 15 (~$8.40 USD), BAM 10 (~$5.60 USD).
  • Other Venues (SARTR, Kamerni Teatar 55, Sarajevo Youth Theatre): BAM 10 (~$5.60 USD).
  • Little MESS (Children’s Program): Free.
  • Promotional Performances (e.g., Chotto Desh): Free.
• How to Buy: Online via mess.ba (card only, available September 2025). On-site at venue box offices (card preferred, cash accepted). Avoid unofficial resellers.
• Ticket Range:
  • BAM: 0–20.
  • USD: ~$0–$11.20 (1 BAM ≈ $0.56, mid-2025).
• Note: No refunds unless the event is cancelled. Group discounts (~20% off for 5+ tickets, speculative). Free for children’s program (ID required for age verification).

Cultural Experience

MESS blends Bosnia’s rich theatrical heritage with global experimental art, showcasing Sarajevo’s resilience as a cultural hub. Performances explore themes of identity, conflict, and innovation, with 2025 highlighting solidarity with Palestine via the New Avignon Declaration. The Memory Module confronts Bosnia’s wartime past through exhibitions, films, and plays like Death in Dubrovnik, while Little MESS engages young audiences with free, accessible theatre. Culinary offerings at venues include Bosnian specialties (ćevapi, burek, baklava, ~BAM 5–15, ~$2.80–$8.40 USD). The festival’s venues, from the historic Bosnian National Theatre to the intimate SARTR, reflect Sarajevo’s blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences.

Food & Drinks

• Venue Stalls: Limited food at venues (ćevapi, burek, baklava, coffee, ~BAM 5–15, ~$2.80–$8.40 USD). Non-alcoholic drinks available (~BAM 2–5, ~$1.12–$2.80 USD, age 19+ for alcohol).
• Nearby Dining (Sarajevo Old Town):
  • Dveri (Prote Bakovića 4, Bosnian, $5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk from Bosnian National Theatre).
  • Ćevabdžinica Željo (Kundurdžiluk 19, ćevapi, $3–$8 USD, 7-minute walk).
  • House of Bosnian Tradition (Ćurčiluk Veliki 59, traditional, $8–$20 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Note: Card accepted at venues; cash (BAM) advised for stalls. No outside food/drinks. Water stations at major venues. Reusable cups (~BAM 2 deposit, speculative).

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: All-ages for main festival; Little MESS tailored for children (free, under 14s need supervision). Guide dogs only.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible venues (Bosnian National Theatre, SARTR, Kamerni Teatar 55). English/Bosnian subtitles for select shows. Audio descriptions limited (contact press@mess.ba). Disability parking is free with a permit.

Getting There

• By Air: Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ, 10 km, 15-minute drive, $10–$20 USD taxi).
• Public Transport:
  • Tram: Lines 3, 6 to Marijin Dvor (5-minute walk to Bosnian National Theatre), ~BAM 1.80 (~$1 USD, Centrotrans app).
  • Bus: Centar stop (10-minute walk to Kamerni Teatar 55), ~BAM 2 (~$1.12 USD).
• By Car: Limited parking at venues (~BAM 5/day, ~$2.80 USD). Disability parking is free. Carpool advised.
• By Bike/Foot: Bicycle racks (~10–15 spaces, free). Walkable between venues (Bosnian National Theatre to SARTR, 15 minutes).
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt from Sarajevo center ($3–$7 USD). Local taxis (+387 33 660 666, $5–$10 USD).

Program Details

• September 2025: Full lineup announced (mess.ba).
• 4–12 October 2025: Main festival, performances (19:00–22:00, speculative). Venues: Bosnian National Theatre, Kamerni Teatar 55, SARTR, Sarajevo Youth Theatre.
• 6 April – 9 May 2025: Memory Module events (exhibitions, screenings, plays, 18:00–20:00).
• Key 2025 Performances: The World and the Rose (SARTR), The Blue (Kamerni Teatar 55), Death in Dubrovnik (SARTR, 9 May).
• Dramadžiluk: Staged readings (Man in the Dark, Burnt Toast), discussions (TBD, September 2025).
• Note: Schedule speculative based on 2024 (,,). Some performances N15+. Check mess.ba for updates.

Past Notable Features

• 2024: 4–13 October, featured The Brothers Karamazov (Oliver Frljić), Woyzeck (Attila Vidnyanszky Jr.).
• 2023: Introduced Dramadžiluk, Memory Module marked 27 years.
• 1993: Hosted Susan Sontag’s Waiting for Godot during the siege.
• 2010: Robert Wilson’s The Last Krap Tape performed.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Explores Bosnia’s wartime history (Memory Module) and regional playwriting (Dramadžiluk). Free exhibits (JAVA Gallery, National Museum) are ideal for cultural studies.
• Community Engagement: Connects global/local artists via MESS Scene and Little MESS. Partnerships with Al Jazeera Balkans promote dialogue.
• Historical Context: Reflects Sarajevo’s resilience, from Ottoman roots to wartime cultural resistance.

Cultural Activities

• Performances: 20+ plays (4–12 October, Bosnian National Theatre, SARTR, etc.).
• Memory Module: Exhibitions, screenings, plays (6 April – 9 May).
• Dramadžiluk: Staged readings, playwright discussions (October, TBD).
• Workshops: Theatre-focused, for young artists (TBD, mess.ba).
• Exhibitions: Photo displays (Man from the East, We Must Not Stop Talking About Gaza).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets available September 2025 (mess.ba). Hotels fill in October; book 3–6 months.
• Weather Prep: 50–65°F, rain possible; bring jackets, comfortable shoes.
• Explore Locally: Baščaršija (free, 10-minute walk), Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque ($2 USD, 7-minute walk), War Childhood Museum ($5 USD, 15-minute walk).
• Transport: Use the Centrotrans app for trams/buses. Walkable venues. Avoid driving due to limited parking.
• Crowd Tips: Book evening performances early. Daytime workshops are less crowded.

Local Attractions

• Baščaršija: Free, historic market (10-minute walk from Bosnian National Theatre).
• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: $2 USD (7-minute walk).
• War Childhood Museum: $5 USD (15-minute walk).
• Vijećnica (City Hall): $5 USD (10-minute walk).
• Yellow Fortress: Free, views (15-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Hotel Europe (Vladislava Škarića 5, $80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
  • Swissotel Sarajevo (Vrbanja 1, $100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: Halvat Guesthouse (Kasima Ef. Dobrace 5, $40–$80 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Apartments: Airbnb ($30–$70 USD/night, city center).
• Note: Book early for October; limited central availability.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues; the nearest hospital is Koševo (10-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks; no glass bottles, professional cameras, or pets (except guide dogs). Info points for lost items.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (September 2025). Earplugs available (free).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; supervise children at crowded venues.