Skopje, 6 November 2026 (MIA) — The Macedonian National Theater’s production of “Fear and Hope” by Franz Xaver Kroetz opened Thursday evening the 22nd International Actors Festival in Nikšić, Montenegro.

Directed by Tatjana Mandić Rigonat, the play received “heartfelt applause from the audience, who warmly welcomed the Macedonian ensemble’s dedication and artistic energy,” the MNT said in a press release.

“The actors shared the stage with the Nikšić audience with sincere emotion and respect, and the visit was marked by a wonderful theatrical atmosphere and a warm welcome,” the release said.

Using a hyperrealistic stage setting, “Fear and Hope” shows characters fighting their deepest fears while holding onto hope for a better future. The narrative constantly shifts between dark humor and tragedy to examine how human dignity survives under modern psychological, social and economic pressures.

The ensemble cast consists of Sashko Kocev, Sashka Dimitrovska, Aleksandar Mikikj, Darja Rizova, Natalija Teodosieva, Nikola Ristanovski, Toni Mihajlovski, Tanja Kochovska, Damjan Cvetanovski and Nela Pavlovska. mr/