Đukić: Through irony or comedy I strive to portray problems in the ccommunity and society; I want Montenegro to lead the development of physical theatre and contemporary circus in the region

From the „Don Bosco Centre“ in Podgorica to thousands of performances across the region and Europe - that is the path of Dušan Đukić, a juggler and performer who transformed a casual fascination with the circus into a serious artistic career.

His first encounter with juggling came as a teenager, and thanks to mentors and later professional training, he developed a recognizable stage expression at the intersection of contemporary circus, physical theatre and acting. Today, he has hundreds of performances behind him and sees the stage as a space for communication with the audience, where technical skill becomes a tool for storytelling and opening up important topics.

In an interview with Portal ETV, Đukić speaks about his beginnings, the role of discipline and „mileage“ in the development of a performer, his relationship with the audience, as well as where contemporary circus stands in the regional context and what kind of future he envisions for Montenegro.

PORTAL ETV: What were your first encounters with juggling like, and when did you realize it would not remain just a passing fascination?

ĐUKIĆ: My first encounter with juggling, more precisely with the circus, took place at the „Don Bosco Centre“ in Podgorica. Quite by chance I came across a youth center that offered a variety of activities as part of its programs, including circus arts. At that time, the program was led by Lindon Ljucović, and later Martin Berišaj was also involved for a certain period. Both of them guided me in my first circus steps in their own way. Until the age of eighteen, I was not aware that I would pursue this seriously or that it would become my profession. I always had a strong desire to act and to be part of dramatic art, but my path led me toward another form of art, closely connected with theatre and drama. After enrolling at university, I realized that this was what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be in life. With the support of the Don Bosco Centre Podgorica, I went to Slovenia, where I spent a year developing my skills. At that point, I was one hundred percent certain that this was my life calling.

PORTAL ETV: Do you remember the moment or circumstances when your love for juggling first emerged?

ĐUKIĆ: I would say that my first love for the circus, juggling in particular, was born the moment I entered the youth center and saw Lindon riding a unicycle and juggling at the same time. It fascinated me, and I told myself that this was what I wanted to do. Another important moment was the support I received after my first performance. That was when I realized how much it meant to me to be supported by people who perhaps think similarly or simply see potential in what I do. After my first performance, I felt extraordinary - I had never before experienced such comfort and beauty in a space.

PORTAL ETV: What was more crucial in your development - mentorship, independent work, or performing experience in front of an audience?

ĐUKIĆ: In my development, mentorship, persistence, and independent work all played a major role in reaching the level I am at today. At the same time, I always see room for further progress and learning. Ultimately, I would say that the most important factor is so-called „mileage“ - the number of performances and experiences accumulated. Over the past eight years, I have had more than a thousand performances, which brings a special kind of experience and pleasure, becoming an integral part of me, my persona, and my life.

PORTAL ETV: How much discipline and daily work are required to reach the level you are at today?

ĐUKIĆ: It is extremely important to work and practice every day, with a certain level of discipline that ultimately produces results. Whether it is stage movement, acting, juggling, balancing on various props, or purely mental or physical preparation - it is crucial to work daily and remain disciplined.

PORTAL ETV: At what point does juggling, in your opinion, cease to be merely a skill and become an artistic expression?

ĐUKIĆ: For me, the circus has always been a means of expression - a space through which I present different stories and themes, as well as problems in society and situations that surround me. My stage becomes a shared space with everyone who comes to watch the performance. It is a space where the old comfort zone dissolves and a new one is created - a space in which we point to problems in society and within ourselves, those we may avoid confronting when we stand in front of a mirror.

PORTAL ETV: How has your stage expression evolved over the years, and what has influenced those changes the most?

ĐUKIĆ: My stage expression has evolved with experience and, as I like to say, with „mileage“. I do not want to draw direct comparisons between my early and current performances, because I believe it is impossible to achieve a realistic comparison. We are always creating something new, and we should always be doing something new. I try not to dwell too much on what I have done in the past, because there is always room for progress. I am satisfied with the path I have taken and the place I am in now, while striving to constantly move one step higher.

PORTAL ETV: How much does the audience influence the flow and energy of your performance while you are on stage?

ĐUKIĆ: As someone who works in physical theatre and constantly engages with a live audience, I believe that contact with the audience is extremely important - how much I manage to reach their hearts and souls. The energy created during a performance is of great importance. That is why I carefully design performances from the very moment the audience arrives at the theatre or the street, where my performances often take place. From the first encounter, the audience enters the story and becomes part of it. Different cultures and environments bring different experiences, so before performing abroad, I always try to familiarize myself with the mentality and culture of the people I will be working with.

PORTAL ETV: How do you see the position of contemporary juggling and circus arts today, especially in the regional context?

ĐUKIĆ: When it comes to the regional development of contemporary circus and juggling, Montenegro currently stands somewhere in the middle. We lag behind Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and especially Slovenia. Nevertheless, there is progress and development, although perhaps not as fast as I would like. My wish is for Montenegro to become the leading country in the region in the development of physical theatre and contemporary circus. I hope that the situation will change significantly over the next four to five years.

PORTAL ETV: What would you like the audience to take with them after your performance - beyond an impression of technical skill?

ĐUKIĆ: As I mentioned earlier, I do not want the audience to leave with only an impression of technical skill. I want to influence their development, for the audience to understand and feel the theme I am addressing and the problem I am trying to present. I often use irony or comedy to portray issues within the community and society. One example is the performance „DATE“, created last year and performed at international festivals, through which I wanted to draw attention to motherhood and the importance of women in society. I always try to present the problems of our surroundings in a comic or sarcastic way. I want the audience to take with them a spark of energy and a story, and ultimately to ask themselves: „Why?“, „How?“, and „For what reason?“.