On Thursday, 12 March, our first- and second-year students visited the Youth Centre, where we had the opportunity to watch the play Kocka (Gambling), inspired by Dostoevsky’s novel The Gambler.  The performance left a strong impression on all of us, primarily because it addresses a very important issue – gambling addiction and its consequences for young people. The plot follows a young man who begins betting out of curiosity and for entertainment, using an app. At first, it seems like a harmless game and a quick way to earn money. However, as time goes on, betting becomes a habit and eventually develops into a serious addiction. Gradually, the main character loses control over his life. Because of gambling, he loses money, distances himself from the people around him, and ultimately loses almost everything he once had. A particularly striking aspect of the performance was the fact that the actors were young and close to our age. This made the story feel more realistic and relatable, as we could easily imagine ourselves in a similar situation and better understand how such problems can affect young people. The play was not only engaging but also educational, highly realistic, and true to life. Its central message is that gambling can destroy not only an individual’s life but also the lives of those around them. Through powerful acting and emotional scenes, the performance reminded us of the importance of making responsible decisions and being aware of the consequences of our actions, as well as thinking independently and not simply giving in to peer pressure. Overall, it was an interesting and valuable experience that many of us will remember for a long time.
Srna Tatalović IIa