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Why our audience in the diaspora reacts differently
After events, I often hear performers share their impressions of our audience. They say — and I agree — that it is a refined audience, that sometimes it takes a bit longer to settle in and let go, but that the silences run deeper, and some words land differently.
The experience of art is not the same everywhere, and I learned that very quickly.
When you watch a play in Belgrade — that is one experience. When you watch the same play in Zürich — that is something else entirely.
Why?
The setting is different, the thirst for theatre is greater, and our experiences differ from those of audiences back in Serbia. On top of that, theatre is a chance to see people we do not see often — kindred spirits, people with similar interests — a feast for the soul.
That is why Balkan events in Switzerland are special. They are not just a cultural programme — they are an emotional bridge.
And that is exactly why each event carries an extra weight of responsibility — and joy.
— Evica
Our stories
What twenty years of running cultural events taught me about people
Evica Marković21 July 2026After 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 moreIntegration without assimilation — can a person belong in two places?
Evica Marković16 July 2026Many people who live abroad feel the same inner conflict: how much do we have to adapt in order to belong? I think the idea of integration is often presented in the wrong way…
Read more
Humour does not translate — why different cultures laugh at different things
Evica Marković14 July 2026Humour says a great deal about people, even more than politics or history. Only when you live between two cultures do you realise how much humour differs from country to country…
Read more
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.