This Is No Fairy Tale – A Performance That Encourages Us to Reflect and Take Action

On Tuesday, 13 October, Grade 8 and Grade 9 students had the opportunity to watch a moving and thought-provoking performance entitled Ovo nije bajka (This Is No Fairy Tale), presented by members of the Studio Centar theatre company. The play explores one of the most important issues young people face as they grow up: peer bullying.

Based on two real-life events that took place in Serbia several years ago, the performance confronts us with a reality that often lies hidden behind everyday situations, unspoken words and the silence of those who witness bullying. Through powerful acting and an emotionally engaging story, students were given the opportunity to reflect on the consequences of bullying and consider their own role in recognising and preventing it.

The performance left a strong impression on the students. It prompted reflection, questions and discussion about responsibility, empathy, solidarity and the courage to speak up when someone is being bullied. After the performance, students took an active part in a discussion with the actors, sharing their observations and views and reflecting on how our words and actions, as well as our silence, can affect other people’s lives.

Ovo nije bajka is more than just a theatre performance – it is a call to be more considerate of one another, to stand up against bullying and to recognise that each of us can be part of the solution. It reminds us that peer bullying is not an issue that concerns only those who experience it and those who engage in it, but the entire community, which has a responsibility to create a safe environment for everyone.

Experiences like this are particularly valuable because they encourage young people to develop empathy, critical thinking and an awareness of the importance of personal responsibility. At our school, we believe that education involves much more than acquiring knowledge: it also means learning how to become responsible, compassionate and active members of our community.

That is why it is important that the message of this performance does not remain confined to the theatre: we must not ignore bullying, leave victims to face it alone or underestimate the difference that support, understanding and timely intervention can make.

Because this is no fairy tale. This is a reality that we can – and must – change together.