1991: A New Wave of Nationalism is Haunting Europe

Nationalism can be a dangerous thing. Hardly anyone knows this better than author Dubravka Ugrešić, who had to flee from the Former Yugoslavia after war broke out in 1991, leaving the country in pieces. Almost 30 years later Europe is experiencing the same threat of far-right nationalism and anti-intellectualism.

As a response theatre collective ‘t Barre Land produced the play 1991 based on the work and ideas of Ugrešić. How can her work and past experiences warn us against the nationalist ghost haunting contemporary Europe? An evening of conversation with Dubravka Ugrešić alternated with fragments of the play 1991 performed by ‘t Barre Land.

This evening Yoeri Albrecht talks with internationally praised writer and literary scholar Dubravka Ugrešić about her work, the current political situation in Europe and how nationalism endangers the freedom of art, thought and culture.

During the evening actors of ‘t Barre Land perform parts of the play 1991.

The programme image shows Sarajevo life under siege, winter of 1992-1993. Feature film director and screenwriter Mehmed Fehimović walks home to Novi Sarajevo from an appointment downtown. Photo by Christian Maréchal.