“I love this play because it somehow connects theater and classics with acting, and it’s something innovative that attracts the audience. It will always remain relevant because violence has always existed and will continue to exist among us.”
Today, the renowned actor John Malkovich announced the play “The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer” at the press conference. This unforgettable theatrical experience will take place tomorrow evening at the Ancient Theater in Ohrid as part of the “Ohrid Summer” festival.
“The truth on stage offers a unique reality that, in fact, mirrors life itself. When you portray a character on that stage, you have only a small fraction of time to represent how they survive and live. That’s why you strive to present that character as completely and authentically as possible on the theatrical stage. The play was written by Michael Sturminger at my request and the request of conductor Martin Haselböck. We met with Martin and began our collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra,” said Malkovich.
Although it is his first time in North Macedonia, as he mentioned, he is familiar with the former Yugoslav republics, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, where he has worked before.
“Yesterday afternoon, I arrived in Macedonia, and I can only say that it is a beautiful country,” said the famous actor John Malkovich at today’s press conference. The Minister of Culture of the Republic of North Macedonia, Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska, expressed her wishes for him to enjoy the natural beauty, excellent Macedonian cuisine, and get to know our cultural and historical heritage. She emphasized that having an actor, director, and producer like John Malkovich is a true rarity.
“I love this play because it somehow connects theater, classics, acting, and it is something innovative that attracts the audience. It will always be relevant because violence has always existed and will continue to exist among us,” said Malkovich.
Minister Kostadinovska-Stojchevska added, “I am pleased that after hosting world-renowned artists such as Ennio Morricone, Jose Carreras, Jessye Norman, Zubin Mehta, Misha Maisky, Krzysztof Penderecki, Elena Mosuc, Ivo Pogorelich, Stefan Milenkovich, and others, we now have the privilege of having John Malkovich perform on the grand stage of the Ancient Theater. His theatrical value displayed in the play ‘The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer’ will leave a lasting mark on our most eminent cultural and theatrical manifestation, ‘Ohrid Summer.’ Through his rich experience and charisma as an exceptional actor, director, and producer, his presence will further promote ‘Ohrid Summer’ and our country.”
The director of the “Ohrid Summer” festival, Natasa Popovic, stated that welcoming an artist of his magnitude enriches the festival’s history, which serves as a podium that unites arts from around the world. “This year’s festival edition will be remembered for the glamorous opera diva Angela Gheorghiu, who gave an unforgettable concert at the grand opening, but also for the renowned American actor, producer, and director John Malkovich, who is performing for the first time in Macedonia. Such exclusivity confirms the greatness of ‘Ohrid Summer,’ a festival recognized and esteemed worldwide. The Hollywood actor with the project ‘An Evening with John Malkovich’ has been assessed as the most exclusive guest of ‘Ohrid Summer,’ provoking tremendous interest from the audience. Numerous reservations have been made from the entire region as well as from countries such as Brazil, the Netherlands, France, the USA, and many others,” added director Popovic.
As emphasized by the selector of the drama program at the “Ohrid Summer” festival, Sanja Arsovska, this play builds its dramaturgical structure and emotional architecture on two opposites – comedy and psychological drama.
“On one hand, the serial killer, with light wit and lucidity, strings together events from his life, captivating the audience in a web of ironic humor. While the audience thinks they are caught in such a comedic atmosphere, a real inferno accompanied by an orchestra and powerful sopranos begins on stage. Unterweger starts to expose the demons within him, haunting the stage. This penetrating play between comedy and hell resonates throughout the entire performance. And for all the powerful emotions in the play, John Malkovich, one of the greatest and most brilliant actors of our time and of all times, is responsible,” said selector Arsovska.
The unique and perfect stage experience “An Evening with John Malkovich” is realized with the support of the Embassy of the United States of America in North Macedonia, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, and the Ministry of Culture.