The play “Offline” captivated the audience in Konjic: Theatre as a safe space for difficult topics

The play “Offline” was performed this evening at the cinema hall of the National University in Konjic. It was produced by Studio Teatar and the Bosnian National Theatre Zenica, in partnership with the amateur theatre “Neretva” Konjic. The guest performance was organized as part of a major theatre tour across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The play is based on a text by Ahmed Imamović and directed by Lana Delić, and is distinctive for featuring a cast that combines professional actors with young talents. The performers included Enes Salković, Adna Kaknjo, Mirza Bajramović, Lamija Salihović, Selma Ćosić, Aida Vehabović, and Almir Nakić.

Mirza Bajramović: “The audience’s reactions are deeply emotional.”

Actor Mirza Bajramović expressed particular pleasure at returning to Konjic, a city that has held special significance for him since his high school days.

“I am always happy to come to Konjic. This hall holds special memories for me because of the High School Drama Festival. I am glad that AP ‘Neretva’ is a partner on this project. Konjic is the fifth stop on our tour, and the audience’s reactions in Goražde, Prnjavor, Bugojno, and Jajce have been excellent,” Bajramović said.

He emphasizes that the play opens an important dialogue, especially with parents, who are often unaware of the dangers on social media.

“The audience reacts very emotionally. After each performance, a discussion develops that shows how deeply the story has affected them. Our focus is on the teenage population, but also on parents, who are often on the sidelines when it comes to what happens in the digital world. Performing for a smaller audience allows us to convey the story directly to them,” Bajramović concluded.

Aida Vehabović: “The stage has given me the strength to speak out about violence.”

Young actress Aida Vehabović, who is also familiar with the Konjic stage from her amateur days, shared her personal and powerful experience working on this project.

“The interaction with the audience fascinates me. People open up emotionally; in one city, a young woman approached us and publicly admitted that she had been a victim of violence and that the theatre helped her speak out. That connection is incredible,” Vehabović said.

Aida also spoke openly about how this role has helped her in her personal healing process:

“This story is closely connected to my own life, as I too have been a victim of violence. On stage, I feel free to speak about topics I couldn’t address for years. Now I do it publicly, either through my character or as Aida Vehabović. It is a great honor, after years of amateur work, to stand shoulder to shoulder with professionals in a project that liberates both us on stage and the audience in the hall.”

Ena Osmanović, president of the amateur theatre “Neretva” Konjic, spoke about the importance of the collaboration and the project itself.

“It is a great honor for us that the amateur theatre ‘Neretva’ has become part of a broader, global story. We are one of eight theatres given the opportunity to work on this project. We are especially proud that our young members participated in the creation process of the play – through workshops, they brought their personal experiences to the stage. We are all extremely pleased with the result and with the project ahead of us,” Osmanović stated.

After the performance, an interactive discussion with the audience was held. Attendees had the opportunity to share their impressions, ask questions to the cast, and express their own perspectives on the issues addressed in “Offline” – from digital safety to peer violence.

Tonight, Konjic was added to the map of the major Bosnian-Herzegovinian tour of the play “Offline.” Through participation in the project “We Can Do Better,” the theatre once again confirmed its role as a key driver in initiating important social change and dialogue.

The play “Offline” continues its journey through cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, carrying a powerful message about the importance of open communication, mutual understanding, and the uncompromising fight against all forms of violence in the modern age.

After a successful performance and the exceptionally warm reception from the Konjic audience, the cast of the play continues its mission. In the coming period, residents of Teslić, Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje, and Kalesija will have the opportunity to watch this striking production and participate in discussions on topics that concern us all.

Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic –https://radiokonjic.ba/predstava-offline-odusevila-konjicku-publiku-pozoriste-kao-siguran-prostor-za-teske-teme/