Sonja Mihajlova, a renowned actress from the National Theater Bitola, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Assembly of the Macedonian Theater Festival “Vojdan Chernodrinski” in Prilep. This prestigious award celebrates her remarkable career spanning over four decades.

Mihajlova’s contribution to Macedonian theater is extensive, with approximately 150 roles in theater, film, and television. Despite retiring in 2022, she remains active, currently performing in the monodrama “Kufer.MK” at the National Theater Bitola, a performance that reflects on her life and creative journey.

Born in Bitola on October 14, 1958, Mihajlova graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje in 1983. She then joined the National Theater – Bitola, where she dedicated her career until her retirement.

Throughout her career, Mihajlova has received numerous accolades, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. These include the Award for Young Actor at the “Vojdan Chernodrinski” Festival, the “Risto Shishkov” Award, the “Golden Mask” for Best Female Role in “Fiddler on the Roof,” and awards for her roles in plays such as “Magna Carta,” “The Balkans is Not Dead,” and “Julius Caesar.”

Her famous roles include appearances in “The Snuffbox,” “Southern Path,” “Bushava Azbuka,” “The Merchant from Salonika,” “Shadows,” “Goodbye Rumelia,” “Kajmak” and “The Red Poet,” among many others.

The Bitola Theater expressed their pride and gratitude towards Mihajlova, acknowledging her lasting impact on Macedonian theater art. Her originality, dedication and tirelessness makes her an inspiration for future generations of actors.

Alongside Mihajlova, Snezana Koneska-Rusi and Goce Todorovski will also be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 59th MTF “Vojdan Chernodrinski” will feature nine plays in the official program and five in the independent program, running from June 6 to 13 under the theme “Laugh and Dare”. The play “Black Seed” by Tasko Georgievski, directed by Andrej Cvetanovski and produced by the National Theater – Bitola, will also be presented at this year’s festival.