With smoke thick in the air, a young cast tell the tumultuous story of the war that occurred in the late ’90s in Sarajevo, through the eyes of a South African photojournalist.
The production titled Cheers to Sarajevo was written, directed and produced by Lidija Marelic and Aimee Goldsmith, who both felt that there was a need to tell the story of this time in history which has been strategically omitted from many historical teachings.
Marelic said they wanted to show that despite the war that was going on, the people loved deeply and were merry.
“It was about being brothers and sisters one day, and tomorrow we’re enemies – especially in Sarajevo, which is the most culturally diverse part of the Balkans.”
“So in one building you would have Bosnians on one floor, the neighbours were Croatians and living above them would be Serbians. Everyday we’d go into each other’s houses, grabbing flour, eggs, groceries and then the next day we’re killing each other.”
Placed roughly between ’92 and ’95, the story is told through a South African’s eyes, making it relevant to the country.
The story aims to find the connection between the way South African’s were experiencing their new found freedom and transitioning from a state that was hateful in the same way as the war in Sarajevo, but to a lesser extent.
Using and moving boxes as the setting for the show paints Sarajevo as a character, rather than a place and brings the entire story to life.
The production is still currently seeking funding to be completed.
All the attendees agreed that this is a production that has been paired with phenomenal actors, who portray the story in such a real and touching way that it definitely should be brought to mainstream theatre.
