Miro Gavran Received the Silver Theatre Mask for Lifetime Achievement

Miro Gavran received the “Silver Theatre Mask” Lifetime Achievement Award for his body of work in poetry, prose and drama. The award was presented by Elka Nyagolova, president of the Slavic Academy of Literature and Arts, based in Varna, Bulgaria.

The award ceremony took place at the Đakovo City Library and Reading Room to mark the Academy’s 20th anniversary. A poetry recital titled “A Prayer for Peace” was held on the occasion. The 17-member jury included representatives of major Bulgarian institutions: the Slavic Academy of Literature and Arts, the Union of Bulgarian Writers, the Union of Bulgarian Journalists, the Union of Bulgarian Teachers and the “Sustainable Development for Bulgaria” Foundation.

The day before the ceremony, Gavran took part in the 37th Traditional Poetry Gathering in Drenovci. At Đakovo Cathedral, he and fellow writers paid tribute to Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, a great Croatian patron of the arts.

The award is especially meaningful to Gavran in light of his longstanding ties with Bulgaria. Thirteen of his plays have premiered there, and six of his books have been published in Bulgarian. He will remember Drenovci and Đakovo for their excellent organisation, warm company and heartfelt celebration of poetry and literature.