A commemoration event, “Goran is Here,” took place today at the memorial bench dedicated to Goran Stefanovski in Debar Maalo, marking the 73rd anniversary of the renowned playwright’s birth.

The event, held at the triangular park opposite the “Nadzak” and “Idadija” cafes where a plane tree was planted in Stefanovski’s honor in 2019, brought together theater enthusiasts, friends, family, and admirers to celebrate his life and work.

Mayor of the Municipality of Centar, Goran Gerasimovski, highlighted Stefanovski’s profound impact, stating that he was “the conscience of an era” and that his words created worlds reflecting both the past and the future. He emphasized the importance of culture in shaping identity and carrying the soul of time.

The program included readings of Stefanovski’s texts by Sasha Dimitrievska, Mirjana Trpkovska-Kostovska, and Trajanka Ilieva-Veljić, along with a musical performance by Igor Stefanovski, the playwright’s son. Additional artistic contributions featured pantomime by Darko Veljić, a performance by the group “Audio Skopje,” and live statues. Friends and colleagues from the theater also participated in the tribute.

The event was organized by the Citizens’ Association “Tim Teatros K” with the support of the Municipality of Centar.

Goran Stefanovski was born on this day in 1952 in Bitola and passed away on November 27, 2018, in Canterbury, United Kingdom.