The actress that, for years, has been winning the hearts of audiences with her acting and musical talent, but also her beauty, talks to Reminder about the filming of the series „Nemanjići – the Birth of a Kingdom“.
In the series „Nemanjići – Rađanje Kraljevine“ („Nemanjići – the Birth of a Kingdom“) you play Evdokija Anđel, the first wife of Serbian Grand Duke Stefan Nemanjić. Everyone is saying that even the mere filming of this series is a spectacle, from costume and make-up, all the way to cutting edge production. The general public knows relatively little about Evdokija, what makes her special and what did you find the most interesting on the set of „Nemanjići“?
My generation has never seen the filming of a series at such a high production level. It was truly a great pleasure for me to be a part of a fantastic cast. It’s not just the actors, either, it is the director and all other sectors within the production, all at this high level. An incredible team of professionals and wonderful people.
I play a small role. I appear in a few episodes and the role has two parts – a younger Evdokija and an older Evdokija. Almost nothing is known about Evdokija. She is a Byzantine princess brought to the Serbian court when she was 12. Historic sources are in a bit of a dispute when it comes to what we know about her. She was an unusual woman for her time. She grew up in one of the most powerful courts of the day, she was very well educated and extravagant, very progressive, she went hunting and was better at riding than men, so for the needs of filming I learned to ride and fell in love with the sport.
I think that Evdokija’s character cost her that life. She and Stefan Nemanja split up after a while, she had a family with him. He later remarried and she remarried twice, very powerful men of the time. She was different than other women. She didn’t subject to Serbian patriarchy.
On the other hand, there is the series „Istine i laži“ („Truths and Lies“) that you are also working on. Domestic TV channel can boast a large number of new series recently, often quite different than the templates the audiences are used to. At that, new series are being filmed. What is it that you like to watch best, in terms of TV programs, and what do you think is missing from our TV channels?
Photo: Miša Obradović
I recently said that what I miss on television is a serious musical show program. Then I saw that, in addition to „Tvoje Lice Zvuči Poznato“ („Your Face Sounds Familiar“), which I follow and adore, the RTS has launched „Luda Noć“ („Crazy Night“). I think we are missing more such shows, with high quality music. I am pleased with the expansion of series, happening both internationally and in our country. Series are more popular than films world-wide, which means that actors and others in the film industry will have more work. As a generation, we grew up watching some actors. When I meet some of my older colleagues, I feel like I just met a member of my family.
Whether theatre, film or television, what sort of role would you find it especially pleasing to try? In musical terms, both trough musicals and the music show program „Your Face Sounds Familiar“, you managed to pass through many roles; do you wish for such diversity in your pure acting work?
I feel more comfortable on film than in theatre. And I love musicals as a theatre genre. That’s where I’m happiest, that’s where I feel most at home. Still, I am wishing for an interesting theatre role, I would like it to come my way in the next couple of years. For an actor, it is important to „keep in shape“ and to last, and the theatre is the stage that matters the most.
Since we’re on the topic of music, what are your plans for the upcoming period?
I have started working with a fantastic string quartet called Wonder Strings. They are all girls. In our arrangements, there will be a bit of jazz, a bit of film jazz, some evergreen and something that we privately like to listen to; this is something new for me that is coming in the New Year.
You were born in Belgrade, you grew up in Lazarevac, how much opportunity did you have to explore Serbia as a tourist? What do you like best about Serbia?
My brother is a tourismologist so, unlike other children, I travelled throughout Serbia a lot and have visited many places. When I am to recommend to my friends a place that is a must-see, I usually single out Ribarska Banja. It is the smallest spa in the world! It is small, comfy, the air is incredible. There is a spa centre built on the foundations of a Turkish hammam from the 17th century.
What is your ideal New Year’s Eve in Belgrade? Where would you be buzzing through, what would you be listening to?
An ideal New Year’s Eve for me is when you absolutely have no idea what you will be doing. It involves family atmosphere, then leaving for somewhere; passing by the square and listening to whoever is playing there is a must; then you stop by some good joint and meet up with your friends. It’s not a single location. Belgrade provides a lot of different choices and it is a good thing to mix it up. That’s the most fun you can have. When you are in good company in Belgrade, fun is never a problem.
By: Miljana Nešković