Shakespeare in the 21st-century montenegrin theatre: regional adaptations for West Balkan audiences

This study examines Shakespearean productions staged in Montenegrin theatres during the last decade, analysing how regional adaptations have addressed the shared cultural and political experiences of West Balkan audiences. Through a historical review of Shakespeare’s theatrical presence in Montenegro, the research traces performance traditions, while examining how contemporary directors have adapted Shakespeare’s works to resonate across the broader West Balkan region. Using adaptation theory and cultural studies methodologies, the study reveals how Montenegrin and West Balkan artists have reshaped Shakespeare’s texts to reflect regional concerns, including post-conflict reconciliation, cultural identity formation, and shared historical experiences of political transition. This research demonstrates how regionally adapted Shakespeare creates cross-border cultural dialogue and engages diverse West Balkan communities. The study contributes to understanding how contemporary theatre functions as a regional cultural medium, showing the capacity of Shakespearean adaptations to address collective experiences that transcend national boundaries within the West Balkan context.