There are few actors in the region who can boast such equal love from audiences wherever they go, and such strong support for what they do. Anđelka Stević Žugić is certainly one of them, and this is best reflected in her roles, projects, and applause in Croatia as well. In an interview for Diplomacy&Commerce magazine, she says she never imagined her life would turn out the way it has, but that it turned out to be more interesting. She talks about her original project “Šta me OPET snađe”, as well as “Svadba”, which brings smiles to audiences from this region all around the world.
1. What does acting mean to you, and how would you describe the acting profession today? How much of it is art, how much business, and how much something else or a combination of everything?
Acting, for me, is truth under the spotlight. Everything else is decoration. Today, this profession is a serious mix of art and business – but let’s be honest: if there is no sales, there is no stage. And that is fine, as long as it does not start suffocating the content. The problem arises when form becomes more important than substance – when it matters more how “visible” you are than how good you are. Fortunately, the audience is not naïve – you can fool them once, but not forever. That is why I choose to work on things that have a backbone, even if they are less “profitable.” In the long run, that is the only thing that remains. Intimately, Acting is my attempt to understand people – those I love and those I don’t quite understand. It represents constant digging into oneself and others, but without a shovel – only with emotions.
- Who is Anđelka today compared to the little girl before your dreams came true, and did you imagine your life would turn out like this? Can you say you are living your dreams, and what did the path to achieving them look like?
Little Anđelka was much braver than I am today, because she didn’t know what she was supposed to be afraid of. Today I have more fears, but also more tools to survive them. I didn’t imagine my life exactly like this – I thought it would be “neater,” but it turned out more interesting. And yes, I can say I am living some of my dreams, but along the way I learned that dreams are not a destination, but a process – and that they keep changing. The path to them is often chaotic, sometimes funny, sometimes painful – but always your own.
- Your play „Šta me OPET snađe“ is very popular in Croatia, but also in the region. It is a hilarious one-woman monodrama that follows a woman navigating emotional chaos after divorce, dealing with tragicomic situations and unsolicited advice from those around her, with you portraying all the characters. Where did the idea for such a performance come from? Was your own life the inspiration, or did you listen to your surroundings and recognize that audiences likes these topics?
The idea for „Šta me OPET snađe“ came from life itself – but not only from my life, but from all the conversations that women have when the lights go out and only the truth remains. Divorce is just a starting point; in essence, it is about putting oneself back together again. I listened to my surroundings, to my female friends, to women I don’t even know, and even my own inner monologues. And I realized there is so much humor in it, because when we are at our most difficult moments – we are also at our funniest. This play is a kind of therapy, but without a prescription – just laughter and recognition.
- The movie „Svadba“ has taken the Balkans – and beyond – by storm and is breaking all records. You play a very memorable secretary to one of the main characters. How necessary are films like this (comedies), and why do you think they are special and stand out from other genres? Will we see you in the announced sequel as well?
We need comedies like air. People think it is easier to make someone laugh than to make them cry – but it is a serious discipline. A movie like “Svadba” is successful because the audience feels they are not laughing under pressure, but out of recognition. These are situations that are close to all of us, just slightly “amplified.” Comedy has the power to lower your guard, to disarm you, and in the process to subtly “slip in” a certain truth. And as for the sequel – well, you know how it goes… in the Balkans, when a wedding is good, there is usually an encore. 🙂
5. You are well known for many roles in comedy films, but your body of work is quite broad. Is comedy closer to your heart as a genre, or do you prefer a certain balance that includes roles in other types of stories as well? How important is it to play different roles, and what determines your choice of acting engagements in that sense?
Comedy is close to my heart because life is often a comedy – even when we don’t plan it that way. But it is important to me not to stay in just one register. An actor has to explore, move, has to be surprised. Because the moment you become too comfortable, you also become a bit boring. Different roles are like different lives – each one changes you a little. And engagements depend on many factors, but I always choose with my heart. And sometimes I get it wrong, but that is also part of the job.
- What is Anđelka preparing for us in the upcoming period? What are your plans, and can you announce any new projects?
In the coming period, I have quite a bit of performing, travelling, and – hopefully – new stories that will take me a bit out of my comfort zone. I am working on projects that combine humour and emotion, because I believe that is exactly what audiences are looking for today. There will also be some surprises, but I don’t like revealing too much in advance – I prefer that we meet in the theatre and react together.
- You are often in Croatia. What first comes to mind when you think of Zagreb and Croatia, and what do you enjoy most – gastronomy, travel destinations, what emotions do you experience from this region?
To me, Zagreb is a city that doesn’t shout, yet has a lot to say. I like that sense of balance – nothing is aggressive, yet everything has style. People are witty, but not “off the bat” – you have to earn the joke a little, and I find that refreshing. Generally, Croatia suits me well, which is why it is often our family’s choice for holidays, and not only in the peak season. I already have my favourite places and people there. I never miss the Esplanade, nor good fish or a quality glass of Malvazija. Before that, a nice Teranino and pljukanci with asparagus can be the perfect start. Overall, I feel at home in any place in Croatia.