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Serbia is witnessing its largest protests since the fall of Slobodan Milošević, sparked by the November 1, 2024, collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which killed 15 people. What began as student-led demonstrations has evolved into a national movement against institutional negligence, corruption, and lack of accountability.

In solidarity, Serbia’s arts community—particularly its theatre sector—has taken a firm stand. From February 10-16, 2025, theatres in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sombor, and Zrenjanin went on strike, pausing performances to support the protesters. Actors have worn red gloves during curtain calls, a symbolic gesture of the government’s culpability. The Society of Drama Artists issued a public statement, read after live performances, demanding justice.

Beyond symbolic actions, artists have taken to the streets. On February 11, 2025, actors marched through Belgrade with banners reading, “The show must not go on” and “Applause for the students” (Balkan Insight). Performers have also staged impromptu shows at student blockades and released video messages of support.

International theatre professionals have added their voices, with over 450 signing an open letter backing the protests (SeeStage). Meanwhile, Serbian authorities have intensified their response, including police raids on activist organizations and independent media, raising further concerns about government repression (Reuters).

By intertwining performance and protest, Serbia’s arts community is using its platform to amplify demands for accountability and systemic change.

Background

The ongoing protests in Serbia stem from a tragic incident that occurred on November 1, 2024, when the concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station collapsed, resulting in 15 deaths1 2. This disaster triggered widespread outrage and became a symbol of institutional negligence, corruption, and lack of accountability within the Serbian government1 7.

The protests began with students from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade initiating a blockade of their faculty in late November 20241. This action was in response to assaults on students during a street protest commemorating the Novi Sad victims. The movement quickly spread to other major universities across Serbia, with students demanding:

Full transparency regarding all documents related to the Novi Sad railway station project
Accountability for those responsible for the attacks on students
Prosecution of all individuals responsible for the canopy collapse
A 20-percent budget increase for higher education2

The protests have since grown into the largest demonstrations in Serbia since the fall of Slobodan Milošević, with various social groups joining in solidarity1.

Arts Community Response

The Serbian arts community, particularly the theatre sector, has shown strong support for the student protests:

Theatre Strike: A majority of institutional theatres in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sombor, and Zrenjanin staged a 7-day strike from February 10-16, 2025, in solidarity with the student protesters2 5.
Symbolic Gestures: Actors have been wearing red gloves during curtain calls, symbolizing the government's culpability in the tragedy3.
Public Statements: The Society of Drama Artists published a statement demanding institutional responsibility, which has been read after live performances3.
On-site Performances: Actors and directors have performed for students at their blockades and made video messages of support3.
International Support: Theatre workers and pedagogues living abroad have offered messages of support, including a letter with over 450 signatories from the international theatre community3.
Protest March: On February 11, 2025, actors organized a march in Belgrade, carrying banners with slogans like "The show must not go on" and "Applause for the students"5.

The arts community's involvement has blurred the lines between artistic performance and political action, using their platforms to amplify the students' demands for justice and societal change3.