15.04.2024

On April 15, 2024, Cinema Lumbardhi transformed into a space of feminist activism with “The Women of Troy,” who exposed their pain, resilience, and courage to say “stop to wars.” This production, directed by Zana Hoxha and Maja Mitić, was based on Euripides’ drama with contemporary text by Shpëtim Selmani.

Staged by actors from the Artpolis Ensemble and actresses from Serbia, this production showcased the sufferings of women after the war, highlighting the brutality and oppression they face. The tragedy of “The Women of Troy” echoed throughout the entire performance, reminding us that the essence of Troy, with its pain and violence, still permeates our global reality. “Troy is still everywhere,” said Euripides, drawing parallel lines, “the whole world is our ancient Troy and your modern Troy. Thousands of horses, not made of wood, but of steel… flying. Iron Pegasus dropping bombs everywhere.”

People are turned into numbers, war dehumanizes us, its consequences linger for generations. Even infants are not spared – Hector’s son is “sentenced to death” by the enemy, while women become spoils of war. Artists transform into political activists, their calls reverberating in the spaces of Lumbardhi to end wars and build peace.

“The Women of Troy” travel through time, evoking the memories of those who have experienced the recent war in Kosovo firsthand, while sympathizing with current countries that are victims of war.

The feminist approach permeates every part of the performance but reaches its climax when the Greeks determine the fate of Cassandra, Polyxena, Hecuba, and Andromache. They are separated even without a choice “by the powerful Greek men.” Cassandra is designated to be Agamemnon’s slave, and the Greek herald remarks: “Is it not an honor to share a bed with a prince?!”

The audience welcomed this performance, particularly appreciating the messages of peace and the bilingual approach in Albanian and Serbian.

“The Women of Troy” is supported by UNFPA (through the ‘Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust’ project), the European Union, and the Embassy of the United States in Kosovo.

Partners in this activity are Artpolis and the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights (Serbia).