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The Kosowars

Two men sit on the stage, one a Serbian the other an Albanian, sworn enemies in the Kosovo conflict. A stalemate; and a perfect opportunity for two men to discuss their opinions on the war, the world and life, neither one willing to kill the other, as they don't know who will come running, their side, or the enemy.

Spoken mainly in Serbian with a smattering of English, with subtitles that were changed so quickly most of it was unreadable, yet there was an undeniable power in this production. Although at times the script almost felt like a political lecture rather than a piece of theatre, but just as things were going too far the characters would bring it back to normality with a discussion about American films or share a cigarette. The result, both men see beyond their political beliefs and begin to trust each other to the point that they travel over the border together to go home.

Although the acting was very powerful it was hindered by the appalling technical glitches, lights going out unexpectedly, moving positions as the actor is talking and so on. It really took away from what could have been one of the most powerful pieces of theatre at this year's fringe.

27 August 2004
THE KOSOWARS
Alternative Theatre Kosova

 

Review © Bryan Johnston, August 2004