From Folklore to the Future

From Folklore to the Future

Author: David Pejčinović-Bailey MBE February 11, 2024 Duration: 42:00

It seems that wherever I go in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traditional skills and cultural activities are slowly disappearing.

From making instruments, to dancing and much more, the latest generations of young people, don't seem interested, and that could mean a massive impact on the heritage of not only this misunderstood country but also the wider region.

I talk to Nemanja Knežević, to learn a little about the challenges he faces as the director of Banja Luka's biggest traditional dance ensemble.

Check out the website of Ensemble Veselin Mašlese.

Veselin Mašlese on YouTube.

Veselin Mašlese on Instagram.In the interview we mention Efie Derksen, a lady from the Netherlands who is also passionate about protecting local folklore and helping to promote its survival.

Check out this Podcast to find out more. 

And this extremely informative film.

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David Pejčinović-Bailey MBE hosts An Englishman in the Balkans, a series that moves beyond travelogue clichés to offer a grounded, personal account of building a life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This isn't a tour guide; it's a collection of audio journals from someone who has chosen to make his home there. Listeners hear candid reflections on the nuances of daily life, from navigating bureaucracy and language to finding unexpected comfort in local traditions. The podcast often features conversations with the fascinating individuals David encounters-artists, neighbors, historians, and everyday people-whose stories add rich layers to the understanding of a region frequently defined by its past conflicts. Episodes might delve into the complex tapestry of Balkan history over a coffee, or explore the simple joy of a shared meal, all framed through the perspective of an immigrant learning to see a place not as a visitor, but as a resident. The result is a thoughtful, sometimes humorous, and always humanizing portrait of a country and its culture, recorded from the inside. For anyone curious about the realities of displacement, belonging, or the specific textures of life in Southeast Europe, this podcast provides an authentic and engaging listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

An Englishman in the Balkans.
Podcast Episodes
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