“Here and Now” is not just another performance; it explores the deep themes of overcoming adversity, and individual contributions to creating a brighter future. Through personal stories of actors and actresses, the audiences bear witness to the importance of togetherness and intercultural dialogue.
“The theme of the performance is peace and the actors and actresses talk about what peace means to them today, 30 years after the war. Each of them has his or her own peace, and different generations have different perceptions of peace", says director Ajla Bešić.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a multiethnic country, rich in different cultures, stories and experiences, and the “Here and Now” performance has successfully brought part of that diversity to the audiences across the country. It arose from an effort to change the narrative of the past in which young generations are exposed to the legacy of war-related pain and trauma. They transform it, within a strong artistic performance.
“It was very moving to see how the stories of the actors and actresses intertwined with our own stories, making us part of our shared fate. I was particularly struck by the story about an ethnically mixed marriage and the challenges that such love brings in our country”, said Lejla (32).
The performance, which has been staged throughout BiH, in Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar, Banjaluka, Stolac, Gornji Vakuf and Goražde, won the hearts of audiences of all ages.
“I experienced the war and I'm older than you. I was deeply moved by how much young people are suffering because of everything that happened in our country. But this performance shows us that we are all humans, regardless of all the differences”, said Šemsa (54).
The performance attracted hundreds of visitors to different cultural centers or theaters, and their comments emphasize how it brings universal values that cross borders.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is much more than ethnic quotas”, said Damir (40). “Today, when divisions are common, this performance reminds us of the power of love and togetherness. The actors' and actresses’ stories showed me how we can overcome adversity when we work together and support each other. This experience inspires me to be more involved in my community and to work towards strengthening mutual ties”, he emphasized.
The performance “Here and Now” was created with a collaborative approach in which the actors and actresses are the authors of their texts which are based on their personal stories, memories and experiences. United through art, Alen Konjicija, Edis Bilić, Dragana Pilav, Dušan Arnaut, Merima Sorguč, Mirna Jogunčić, Emina Topolović and Matea Mavrak, bring vivid characters to the stage. Their performances are additionally enriched by Armin Ćosić's costume design.
“I wasn't taught to hate, but I was taught that there are different people out there somewhere. We need more initiatives like this which are moving us closer”, said Marija from Mostar.
One of the actors, Alen Konjicija, shared his own experiences: “In this performance, I play the role of myself. I am talking about the experience of an ethnically mixed marriage and how I dealt with situations at the school which I attended, which was part of two schools under one roof. This is a humane process, a performance that is inclusive and includes people of all ethnicities”.
The performance “Here and Now” is part of the Project “Moving Us Closer: Youth Exchanges in Divided Communities Looking for Intercultural Dialogue and Inclusion”, implemented by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, with the support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and the Embassy of the Republic of Italy to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was produced by UNFPA and SARTR, with the aim of connecting and understanding people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. After touring all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the performance will continue its journey across the region.
