Directed by Herve Loichemol, "Metro Gaza" is a co-production between Switzerland and Palestine, and will mark the opening of the 64th International Theatre Festival MESS, running from the 4th to the 13th of October. This year's festival visual identity is also dedicated to Gaza.

The programme for this year’s MESS Festival and its visual identity were unveiled last night at the Youth Theatre in Sarajevo, alongside the premiere of the documentary “60 Years of MESS”.

MESS Director Nihad Kresevljakovic reminded attendees that last year's festival provided a platform for Ukrainian artists.

“This year’s choice of opening play reflects our ongoing commitment to the fight for freedom and human dignity. We recognise how essential it is for art’s voice to be heard, even amid the horrors of war. Through this, MESS sends a message to Palestinian artists that we see, hear, and support their struggle,” Kresevljakovic emphasised.

The visual identity of this year's MESS, inspired by Palestine, was created by the agency “Fabrika”. Bojan Hadzihalilovic, the agency’s director, explained that the design features a silhouette of Palestine, where all is desert except for a small sprout beginning to grow.

“The world as we knew it is vanishing before our eyes. New borders are forming within existing ones… The poster is dedicated to the tragedy in Gaza, where despite destruction, a new bud emerges, offering hope for the future and new life,” said Hadzihalilovic.

Over the course of the ten-day festival, audiences will enjoy performances from 16 countries, including 11 plays in the competition selection, one festival premiere, and four performances as part of the “All Inclusive” programme, held in collaboration with the Goethe Institute in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The “Little MESS” programme will feature three theatrical performances and an inclusive dance workshop for children.

The Ministry of Culture and Sport of Sarajevo Canton is once again supporting MESS this year. Assistant Minister Lejla Mujkic expressed particular delight for “Little MESS”, noting that the youngest generation represents the future cultural creators and consumers.

MESS is also continuing its “Dramadziluk” programme, showcasing staged readings of contemporary dramatic texts. This year, three plays will be read, followed by discussions with the playwrights.

Hana Bajrovic-Cardakovic, director of the documentary “60 Years of MESS”, stated that the film tells the story of an idea that has endured through six decades of socio-political changes and continues to thrive.

“This is because it was built on universal human values such as freedom, anti-fascism, and resistance to all social injustices. This story is important for future generations,” explained Bajrovic-Cardakovic.

Among the performances audiences can look forward to are “A Drama about Mirjana and Those Around Her” from Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Edward II” from North Macedonia and Bulgaria, “Dance is not for Us” from France and Lebanon, “The Taming of the Shrew” from Croatia, “Future” from Serbia and Slovenia, “Invisible Game” from Germany, “A Visit” from Albania and Italy, “The Petit Bourgeois Wedding” from Bosnia and Herzegovina, “Petite Fille” from France, “Steppenwolf” from Bosnia and Herzegovina, “The Best Child in the World” from Romania, “Tragudia and the Song of Oedipus” from Italy, and “Full Moon” from France, alongside inclusive productions such as “Up and Down” and “Catch the Rabbit” from Bosnia and Herzegovina.