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Why our audience in the diaspora reacts differently
The same play in Belgrade and in Zürich is never the same experience. Our audience in the diaspora listens more deeply — and the performers feel it.
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
Why I still bring plays in our language — after 20 years
Evica MarkovićMarch 2026There are easier jobs and safer models. But some work is done with the whole heart — bringing theatre in our language to Switzerland is one of them.
Read more
What it takes to put on an event (the part the audience never sees)
Evica MarkovićFebruary 2026Lights, stage, emotion — it all looks simple once the curtain rises. Behind it stand months of preparation, negotiation, and fighting for attention.
Read more
Why Balkan culture in the diaspora matters more today than ever
Evica MarkovićJanuary 2026What was once unusual is now a need — culture in our language not as nostalgia, but as identity.
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.
Our address is Zurichstrasse 167, 8057 Zürich. The venue is well connected by public transport; specific event locations are always listed with the schedule.