Winners of the awards at the International Festival of Ancient Drama – IFAD "Stobi" 2025
The jury, composed of: Jordan Vitanov, Kristina Atanasova Arsova and Faik Mefailoski, unanimously awarded this year's awards to the most outstanding achievements of the festival.
Award for Best Performance: “Iphigenia for Nothing” – produced by the Drama Theatre – Skopje. The performance stands out with a strong conceptual vision, transforming the ancient tragedy into a contemporary political and existential commentary. Through a minimalist yet precisely constructed stage language, “Iphigenia for Nothing” creates a deeply emotional and intellectual experience that connects mythology with the reality of today’s human condition.
Award for Best Direction: FILIP PETKOVSKI – for the performance “Iphigenia for Nothing”. Petkovski creates a powerful visual and auditory universe in which the tragedy moves between the ancient and the modern. His direction is subtle yet striking – skillfully balancing symbolism and human drama, allowing both actors and the audience to experience a true catharsis.
Award for Best Actress: JELENA ŽUGIĆ – for the role of Clytemnestra in the performance “Iphigenia for Nothing”. With powerful energy and precise emotional control, Žugić creates a moving Clytemnestra – a mother and woman caught between love, pain, and revenge. Her performance exemplifies acting dedication and stage presence that holds the audience’s attention until the very last moment.
Award for Best Actor: MARKO TRAJKOVIĆ – for the title role in the performance “Caligula” at the Kumanovo Theatre. Trajković interprets the complex figure of Caligula with outstanding psychological depth and intensity. His performance reveals the fine line between madness and absolute power, transforming the classic drama into a vivid, contemporary reflection on human nature and societal mechanisms of control.
Congratulations to all the award winners for their artistic courage, dedication, and inspiration! The “Stobi” Festival has once again shown that ancient drama remains endlessly relevant and that new generations of theatre creators know how to give it a fresh, powerful, and human voice.
A very strong and psychologically difficult performance.
I watched the show in Split and it was fantastic! The actors are great and I enjoyed every minute.
Laughter from beginning to end.
Timeless satire, brilliantly executed.
Lots of emotions and a great atmosphere.
Congratulations to Isidor! An absolutely well-deserved award – his playing is extraordinary and inspiring.
Keep the tension until the very end.
Very emotional and powerful.
A modern and different interpretation.
A quiet but very strong drama.