Skip to content
Why I still bring plays in our language — after 20 years
All stories

Reflections

Why I still bring plays in our language — after 20 years

Evica Marković11 May 20264 min read

There are easier jobs and safer models. And there are surely projects with less stress — but also with less joy.

And yet, more than 20 years ago, I decided to do exactly this — to bring plays, films, and concerts in our language to Switzerland.

Not because it is easy. But because it is needed, and because back in the 90s this is the very thing I missed most.

Because every time I see a full hall, hear the laughter, hear someone say after the show "this was so good for us", and see those bright faces — I know why I do this.

The diaspora is not just an audience. These are people living between two worlds.

That is exactly why these are not just "events" — they are moments when people reconnect with themselves.

Over the years I learned one important thing: quality matters, but emotion sells the ticket.

That is why I always choose projects that carry something more — a story, honesty, identity.

Today, after two decades, I can say: we are not just making events, we are building a community.

And as long as there is a need for that feeling of "ours", I will keep going.

See you at the next event.

— Evica

Share

  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years
  • Memories from HELSE events through the years

Our stories

  • Portrait of Georgi Gospodinov, hand under his chin, beside a window

    A conversation I did not want to end

    Evica Marković6 August 2026

    There are evenings you leave the house for with a clear plan, and come home from with thoughts you never expected. That happened to me a few days ago at Literaturfestival Zürich…

    Read more
  • A Swiss flag above the lake in Lucerne, with Mount Pilatus in the background

    What Switzerland taught me about culture

    Evica Marković31 July 2026

    Every year, as 1 August approaches, a particular atmosphere becomes noticeable in Switzerland. Flags appear on balconies, towns and villages prepare their celebrations, families plan lunches together, and in the evening the sky above the lake turns into a stage for fireworks…

    Read more
  • A hall packed with people in warm light, seen from the stage

    What twenty years of running cultural events taught me about people

    Evica Marković21 July 2026

    After more than twenty years of working with people, I can honestly say that culture has never been only culture. People do not come to an event only for the play, the film or the concert…

    Read more

Stay in the loop

Sign up for updates on upcoming events and premieres.

 

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

HELSE is a Swiss cultural association that fosters exchange between Switzerland and Serbia. Through theatre, film, music, stand-up and children's workshops we build cultural bridges — alive, inspiring and open to everyone.

Our programme is diverse: theatre performances, film screenings, stand-up comedy, concerts, readings, seminars and children's workshops.

Events run year-round — the current schedule lives in the Events section.

Tickets are sold online via each event's page and, for some programmes, at the door before the show. HELSE members receive discounts on selected events.

Membership is open to anyone who wants to support the association. The annual fee is CHF 70, with reduced rates for students and pensioners.

Sign up via the Membership page — for any additional questions, write to info@helse.ch.