Serbian National Theatre marks 150th anniversary

Tanjug/Zoran Žestić

The Serbian National Theatre celebrated its 150th anniversary on Thursday at a ceremony which included a presentation of traditional awards.

The theatre was founded in 1868 with the piece Djuradj Brankovic as the first play it performed. It now has a drama, opera, ballet, choir and orchestra.  

The National Theatre has audiences of more than 150,000 at performances on its two scenes.  

The theatre was troubled recently by a conflict between its now dismissed manager conductor Dejan Savic who was opposed by most of the performers and other staff. Savic was replaced by theatre director Ivana Vujic as acting manager.