6. Bembo Fest: Life is only beautiful when one sacrifices oneself out of fear

Balota's words still have that rare intimacy today. They speak of people, homeland, fear, love and life without big words. On Sunday, August 23, Krmed (Bale Municipality) will host the author-poetic project "Life is only beautiful when it sacrifices itself out of fear", based on the dialectal poetry and thoughts of Mate Balota. Mate Balota, whose real name is Mijo Mirković, recorded the life of the Istrian man, his language, everyday life, worries and dreams in his works. It is precisely this intimacy with the people and the space from which he came that remains one of the most recognizable features of his work. The author's project is signed by Robert Raponja, Massimo Brajković and Robert Pauletta, and the play stars Robert Raponja, Lara Živolic Agaj and Massimo Brajković. The performance relies on the Chakavian language and Balota's thoughts on belonging, love for the homeland, life and human courage. There is no classic stage or great distance between the performers and the audience. The performance takes place among the spectators, face to face, creating a space in which Balota's words come directly to those who listen to them. The title of the performance also carries its main idea. Living more fully means having the courage to take a step despite fear. Balota's words do not sound like a message from another time, but like a conversation that can still be had between people today. The performance is a co-production of the Fort Forno Theatre from Bale and the Čakavian Assembly Žminj. The program starts at 9 p.m., near the school in Krmed. Admission is free. Basic information Date: August 23, 2026 Time: 9 p.m. Location: Krmed, near the school Admission: Free