Kosovo authorities bar ‘The Book of Milutin’ crew from entering Kosovo, a move actor condemns as primitive

„The Book of Milutin is certainly the most healing thing we all need to hear today, but in the atmosphere of the greatest stigmatization of my people, as of the past few decades, the ban and limits for culture do not surprise me at all. All in all, extremely…primitive!“ Serbian actor Nenad Jezdić reacted after he and the rest of the Zvezdara Theater crew were barred from entering Kosovo yesterday.

The monodrama „The Book of Milutin“, performed by actor Nenad Jezdić and produced by Zvezdara Theater, which was set to be performed last night in North Mitrovica, and tonight in Leposavic, was canceled after the Kosovo authorities did not allow technical equipment used in the production to enter Kosovo.

The news was initially announced yesterday by the local cultural center. Several Serbian sources also confirmed the same, including the actor himself and his theater, however, Kosovo authorities yet to make a statement.

Zvezdara Theater explained that, despite having made extensive arrangements and preparations for the guest appearance, the cast and technical crew of the play „The Book of Milutin“ were forbidden to cross Jarinje crossing, as they claim, without any explanation.

While recalling that the Serbian patriarch was banned from entering Kosovo the day before, they emphasized that now it is the culture’s turn to be barred from setting foot on Kosovo territory.

After a series of bans, starting with political, economic, religious and others, it was culture’s turn, everything that had a Serbian marking is prohibited

„As a theater that traditionally nurtures local texts in its repertoire, we will continue to make an effort to perform our plays in front of any audience that wants to see them, regardless of obstacles of any kind, because culture knows no limits,“ Zvezdara Theater said.

Jezdić: A reflection of great weakness and powerlessness, primitive

„Sad to say the least!!! Such a decision is inadmissible, whoever is the one deciding whether something will be played or not. This wrongdoing is an essential weakness and impotence, and it only appears and seems powerful, and such a behavior toward a theater… an uncivilized act… anti-cultural and anti-theatrical. Not allowing Serbs or anyone to attend the performance of their cultural, spiritual and famous heritage through the play The Book of Milutin is a reflection of fear and panic,“ underlined actor Nenad Jezdić.

„Fortunately, this monodrama, to my great joy and pride, is an anti-war drama, I would be happy if the people of the Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija could watch it, since Milutin does not belong to any ideology or politics, but only sets human and moral dilemma, regarding all our misunderstandings and suffering, both of our own and of other peoples from this area. The Book of Milutin is certainly the most healing thing that we all need to hear today, but in the atmosphere of the greatest stigmatization of my people, as of the past few decades, the ban and limits on culture do not surprise me at all. All in all extremely…primitive!”

The Kosovo Office also issued a statement, saying that „Kurti wants Serbs to cancel cultural events as well.“

There is still no official information from the Kosovo side. KoSSev’s inquiries with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remain unanswered, while the Kosovo Police simply referred us to this ministry.