Tuzla Youth Theater: Not ‘Me in the Theater,’ but ‘the Theater in Me’ | Balkan Diskurs
Selmir Smajić
December 21st, 2023
Mirza Mujagić is a 26-year-old actor from Lukavac who didn’t embark on the path to the stage in a typical manner. However, his impressive repertoire and accomplishments in recent years at the Tuzla Youth Theater and Tuzla National Theater, in productions such as “Path,” “Comrade, You Are My Wife,” “The Last Love of Hasan Kaimija,” and many others, demonstrate that fate dealt him a very fortunate hand.
Mujagić never dreamed of becoming an actor. In choosing the course of his college education, he initially considered a mining college. However, his experience with the Tuzla Youth Theater’s Drama Studio in 2016 changed everything, and just ten days before the application deadline, he decided to take the entrance exam for the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Tuzla. He passed this exam and enrolled in the Acting Department.
In college, Mujagić’s practical experience working at the Tuzla National Theater proved invaluable. “Getting involved at the Tuzla National Theater while still in our junior year was a significant stroke of luck for me and my cohorts. It was a leap forward in our careers and lives. Those initial steps are unforgettable and remain in my memory. These were the moments when I felt that what I was studying was paying off, that I was maturing, and that everything in life made sense,” recounted Mujagić.
Today, Mujagić is an active member of the Tuzla Youth Theater, where he collaborates with young people to promote and develop theatrical art. With his dedication, he inspires generations that will one day shine on the Bosnian-Herzegovinian stages and beyond.
Mujagić is not just an actor but also an advocate for youth art. His role in educating and supporting the young members of the Youth Theater reflects his efforts to support and inspire young talent. He firmly believes that art is crucial for the development of creativity, self-confidence, and expression, which is why he strives to create a safe space for young people in the Tuzla Youth Theater to express themselves and develop their talents. His passion for his work is evident in his interactions with young people, inspiring them to dream and aspire to artistic expression.
With his enthusiasm and commitment, he shows that art has the power to shape the future of young people and leave a deep and lasting impression on society.
The Tuzla Youth Theater, with its mission to raise cultural awareness and educate audiences of all ages, brings together children, young people, and adults from diverse backgrounds. Inviting all young people who share a passion for acting to join this inspiring journey, Mujagić says, “I advise them to work sincerely with a lot of love, and to remember: it’s not ‘me in the theater,’ but ‘the theater in me.’”
Adnan Mujkić, the driving force behind the establishment of the Tuzla Youth Theater, describes the institution as representing an exceptionally important step in the development of Tuzla’s cultural scene.
“Our passion for art and theater has inspired us to come together and create this organization to promote artistic expression and education through theater,” Mujkić said, emphasizing that their main purpose is not only to stage performances but also to raise awareness about the importance of culture and art in our society.
Rooted in a desire to educate different generations about the richness of theater and its ability to shape society, he says that using drama education to foster critical thinking and creativity in young people is a crucial aspect of their vision.
“What makes us unique is the diversity of our members. Our community includes people of all ages and backgrounds, allowing us to create a dynamic environment for artistic development. We work together to empower individuals and prepare them for the challenges of everyday life, encouraging them to contemplate moral dilemmas and find creative solutions,” Mujkić explained, adding that he and his colleagues are dedicated to the promotion and professionalization of theatrical art.
“Our association is not just a place for creating art but also for building a community of artists who share a passion for theater and art. Our openness to different motives and life stories makes this organization an inspiring space for all who want to develop their creative potential and grow as individuals,” reflected Mujkić.
The Tuzla Youth Theater is a cultural initiative registered under the Tuzla Youth Association and a group of acting and production students from the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Tuzla. The mission of the Youth Theater encompasses the development and sustainability of educational programs, the production of cultural and artistic projects, the professionalization of the performing arts, and the promotion of film, television, multimedia, and audio-visual arts. The main goal of the Tuzla Youth Theater is to raise cultural awareness and educate audiences of different ages about theater.
Those wishing to join the Tuzla Youth Theater can contact them at +38761365600 or via social media – “Pozorište mladih Tuzle” on Facebook and @mladituzle on Instagram.