Europe, a Monologue for Mother Courage and Her Children

Imaginarni, Cankarjev dom

Première 12. 12. 2014, Cankarjev dom
Running time 1 hour 30 minutes. No interval.

Director Primož Ekart
Translators Iva Babić, Maja Cerar
Dramaturg Simona Hamer
Language consultant Maja Cerar
Composer Davor Herceg
Set designer Damir Leventić
Costume designer Belinda Radulović
Lighting designer Andrej Hajdinjak
Sound designer Marko Trstenjak

Cast
Barbara Cerar
Sara Gorše
Lena Hribar
Žan Perko
Filip Samobor
Nik Škrlec
Davor Herceg (piano)
Mitja Tavčar (drums)

The first Slovenian production of Europe, a provocative play by the renowned Croatian dramatist Ivana Sajko, draws the inspiration for the critique of the democratic system from three sources: the ancient myth of Europe and Zeus, Brecht’s play Mother Courage and Her Children and the current tragic events on the borders of the European Union.

Europe’s showdown with the Colonel – her yesterday’s partner and today’s enemy – is brought to life in the performance through striking dynamic songs and a text that toys with the basic principles of dramatic narration. Hence classical dialogue is replaced with the monologue structure additionally enhanced by the cabaret interventions of two young actresses and three young actors. Besides Europe’s extraordinarily emotional monologue, the inspirational element of the performance is the precise combinatory performance of actors and the musical interpretations supported by a powerful live performance accompanied by piano and drums. 

The disclosure of Europe’s and the Colonel’s love relationship doesn’t bring to the surface just the bloody war past but also puts into question the future of their affair.

"One needs to process and forget! A strategy for the next century.”

Photo: Peter Uhan

Photo: Peter Uhan

Photo: Peter Uhan

Photo: Peter Uhan