22-23.11.2024

For two consecutive nights, the Center for Cultural Decontamination (CZKD) in Belgrade transformed into a space for reflection on the consequences of war and calls for peace in a world still witnessing the destruction of lives in Gaza and Ukraine. On November 22 and 23, 2024, the play “Women of Troy”, co-directed by Zana Hoxha and Maja Mitić, was performed in Belgrade.

Through a contemporary directorial approach, the stories weave seamlessly from ancient Troy to modern times, from the bloody wars in the Balkans at the end of the 20th century to the oppressions in Somalia. The repercussions of war linger for many years after the fighting ends, with pain echoing across centuries.

Through a feminist approach, “Women of Troy” brought to an audience of over 220 people the sensitivity and resilience of women confronting the terror of war.

The characters of Hecuba, Cassandra, and Andromache transcend their origins as figures from ancient tragedy, embodying the suffering of women today in war zones. These women bear the unimaginable burdens of loss—families, homes, dignity—all in a world that often views them as spoils of war. Like their ancient counterparts, women today endure displacement, violence, and inequality, confronting daily the cruelty of conflict while hoping for a future where their voices are heard, and their suffering is no longer silenced.

This recurring tragedy reminds us that war does not end with the cessation of weapons but lives on in the hearts of survivors who seek justice amidst the ruins.

“Women of Troy” was performed in both Albanian and Serbian by a cast including Maja Mitić, Shpëtim Selmani, Semira Latifi, Branka Stojković, Qëndresa Kajtazi, Labinot Raci, and Aleksandar Stoimenovski, with English subtitles accompanying the performance.

Artpolis and the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia partnered to bring this production to life. The play was created with the support of the European Union. However, the content of this performance is the sole responsibility of Artpolis and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Srdjan Veljović