A timeless cry for justice comes alive on the stage of the Nicosia Municipal Theatre in collaboration with the Independent Authority Against Corruption: the emblematic work of German Romantic writer Heinrich von Kleist, “Michael Kohlhaas”, which is presented by the Yugoslav Drama Theatre under the direction of the award-winning Boris Liješević. The performance will take place on Saturday, 15 November 2025, at 20:30, in the framework of the Nicosia International Festival 2025.
Before the start of the performance, a brief address will be given by Ms Tatiana Zachariadou, Member of the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAaC). Ms Zachariadou will present a comparative analysis, contrasting the society depicted in the play (based on its plot and themes) with the role of the IAaC within today’s contemporary social context. The purpose of the address is to highlight the timeless nature of the issues raised in the play, in relation to the modern fight against corruption.
The story of Michael Kohlhaas, inspired by true events, remains strikingly relevant even two centuries after it was written. Kleist vividly and insightfully captures the impasse of a righteous man confronted by an unjust system. His protagonist, a horse dealer and family man, is driven to rebellion when, after suffering an injustice, he finds the legal system turning its back on him.
Set against the backdrop of 16th-century Protestant France, the narrative poses profound moral questions: Where does justice end and vengeance begin? Who bears the responsibility for defending what is right? Kleist speaks of corruption, the failure of institutions, and the destructive power of anger – delivering a clear message: justice cannot be an individual matter, but the responsibility of an entire society.
The directorial approach by Liješević incisively reveals the contradictions and moral dilemmas of the protagonist, shaping a performance of high intensity, intellectual depth, and emotional charge.
Vojin Ćetković delivers a stunning portrayal of Michael Kohlhaas, earning the Best Actor Award at the 31st International Classical Theatre Festival in Vršac. The production is accompanied by live original music by the acclaimed Kralj Čačka (Nenad Marić), who appears on stage, adding a poetic dimension to the theatrical experience. This marks the first-ever presentation of Kleist’s work in Serbia – a daring and perceptive choice for the Yugoslav Drama Theatre’s repertoire.
What critics have said about the performance:
“True to his directorial identity, Liješević enriches the tragic story of Kohlhaas with original music by the exceptional artist Kralj Čačka, who performs live on stage, adding yet another layer to this highly aesthetic theatrical work.” – Dragana Bošković, Večernje novosti
“Without abrupt shifts in tone, the actors of the Yugoslav Drama Theatre convincingly convey the transition from narration to dramatic conflict, immersing us completely in Michael Kohlhaas’s fate. We recognise our own modern tragedy in the loss of faith in institutions and justice. The result is entirely successful.” – Marina Milivojević Madžarev, Vreme
“Theatrically inventive. Minimal yet poetic. Entirely relevant.” – Tanja Niezić, Blic
“Outstanding direction, powerful performances, and a musical presence filled with tenderness and meaning – more poetic even than Brecht’s songs.” – Vladislava Vojnović, Vreme
“The performance unfolds like a political thriller – legal documents fly around, powers shift, and Kohlhaas teeters between despair and the hope for justice. A spectacle imbued with dark awareness of the world we live in.” – Bojan Munjin, NIN
“Liješević transcends his minimalist aesthetic by incorporating video and poetic imagery. The result is a production more complex, visually powerful, and emotionally charged.” – Ana Tasić, Politika
Yugoslav Drama Theatre
One of the leading cultural institutions in the Balkans, the Yugoslav Drama Theatre was founded in 1947 and has remained a pioneer of innovation through groundbreaking productions, international collaborations, and a chigh-quality repertoire. After the devastating fire of 1997, the theatre was rebuilt and continues to inspire with artistic boldness and integrity.
The director Boris Liješević
Boris Liješević is regarded as one of the most distinctive and influential theatrical voices in the Balkans. Known for his politically and socially engaged theatrical language, he has directed numerous productions across major theatres in the region. “Michael Kohlhaas” marks his fifth collaboration with the Yugoslav Drama Theatre and stands as another testament to his artistic maturity and vision.
Credits
Direction: Boris Liješević
Dramatisation: Fedor Šili, Miloš Krečković
Set design: Darko Nedeljković
Costumes: Marina Sremac
Music: King of Čačak
Voice coach: Ljiljana Mrkić-Popović
Lighting design: Jovan Stankić
Sound design: David Srbljin
Assistant director: Momčilo Miljković
Stage manager: Olivera Milosavljević
Prompt: Gordana Perovski
Production department: Vladimir Perišić, Andrija Urošević
Lighting technician: Bogdan Ognjenović
Sound technician: Dušan Filimonović
Cast:
Michael Kohlhaas: Vojin Ćetković
Herse, Horse, Citizens: Miodrag Dragičević
Martin Luther, Elector of Brandenburg: Vojislav Brajović
Kunz von Tronka, Boy: Nikola Rakočević
Elector of Saxony: Zoran Cvijanović
Lisbeth Kohlhaas, Abbess Antonia von Tronka, Fortune Teller: Milena Vasić
Squire Wenzel von Tronka, Lawyer, Heinrich von Geusau, Court official: Aleksej Bjelogrlić
Castellan, Skinner, Johann Nagelschmidt: Miloš Samolov
Duration: 105΄ (no intermission)
Age group: 16+
*The performance includes the use of strobe lighting and explores themes such as censorship and the loss of freedom.
Tickets:
Available online via more.com:
http://bit.ly/4grNxB8 and the Nicosia Municipal Theatre box office (Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00).
Ticket prices:
VIP: €30/ €33
ZONE A: €26/ €28
ΖONE B: €24/ €26
ΖONE C: €22/ €24
ΖONE D: €20/ €22
Reduced tickets are valid for: Children, students, soldiers, pensioners, large families, unemployed, actors, people with disabilities (free) with presentation of relevant ID.
Information: 22797979 (Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00)
&
http://bit.ly/3VjZ0ZG
Festival identity
Organisers: Nicosia Municipality, Nicosia For Art
Festival sponsors: OPAP Cyprus, ALTIA, more.com, Cyprus Public Transport
Supporters: Travelhouse, UCLan Cyprus, WINECORE, Gate Twenty Two Boutique Hotel, Classic Hotel Nicosia
Media sponsors: DIAS Publishing & SIGMA TV, LOVE FM 100.7, and “KATHIMERINI” newspaper