The ’Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture’ Foundation is launching the first socially engaged art festival in Serbia dedicated to exploring and highlighting the issue of age discrimination. Named ’Ageless’, the festival will take place on 1 and 2 November at the Újvidéki Színház (Novi Sad Theatre) in collaboration with the Artičoka Association and the Red Cross of Serbia. Its goal is to shed light on often-overlooked yet deeply rooted prejudices against older people in society. Ticket sales for the festival programme begin today.
On 2 November, the ’Ageless’ festival will feature the premiere of the play ’Waiting for the Rain’ (TICKETS), presented through six scenes that explore different forms of ageism—ranging from structural and social to institutional. The play depicts everyday situations in which older individuals experience discrimination, marginalization, and indifference, revealing how social and systemic mechanisms affect their lives and dignity. The play is part of the ’Age Against the Machine’ project.
Another play, ’Awakened’ (TICKETS), produced by the Artičoka Association, will also be presented at the festival. It brings together women over the age of 65, who, after a six-month drama process, courageously share their experiences with aging, stereotypes, and the discrimination they encounter. ’Awakened’ will be performed on 1 November.
As part of ’Ageless’, on 2 November, there will be a panel discussion titled ’Lice i Naličje Ejdžizma’, featuring Ana Đurić Konstrakta – singer, songwriter, and architect, Nataša Todorović – expert on protection, inclusion, and gender equality from the Red Cross of Serbia, Branka Bajić Jovanov – drama educator and co-author of ’Waiting for the Rain,’ Brankica Janković – Commissioner for Gender Equality, and Borka Jeremić – Head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Serbia.
A Special Musical Experience at ’Ageless’
A concert by the legendary Bisera Veletanlić, accompanied by renowned jazz pianist Vasil Hadžimanov, will be held on 2 November. One of the greatest divas of the regional music scene, Bisera has captivated audiences for decades with her authentic interpretations and unique voice, and she will once again enchant the audience in Novi Sad (TICKETS).
Additionally, on 1 November, a vintage music cocktail party titled ’Ko Nekad U Osam’’ will take place, with DJ Focus providing the tunes for all attendees.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, ’Ageless’ addresses various forms of discrimination faced by older individuals, especially in the fields of social and pension policy, gender equality, employment, and healthcare, with a particular focus on comprehensive violence against the elderly. The programme of the festival—through artistic and dialogue formats—aim to encourage an open discussion on how society can better support older people and ensure their equal rights and dignity, particularly through the promotion of intergenerational solidarity.
The ’Ageless’ festival is supported by the City of Novi Sad, the European Commission (as part of the Age Against the Machine: CERV, Network of Towns project), the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection of the Republic of Austria, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Serbia.
Tickets are available at all Gigstix outlets and online at gigstix.com.
For more information, visit novisad2022.rs.
