Geography: Europe > Western Europe > Germany
Year: 2014
Produced by: Maxim Gorki Theater, Berlin
Creative Team: By Yael Ronen and Ensemble; directed by Yael Ronen
Synopsis: Common Ground is a devised theatre piece about the afterlives of Yugoslav nationalism and war in contemporary Berlin. Bringing together performers with connections to Belgrade, Sarajevo, Novi Sad and Prijedor, the production asks how people shaped by opposing sides of conflict can inhabit a city. With autobiographical influence and an ensemble focus, the production combines political discussion and dark humour to confront the everyday lives and experiences of contemporary Berliners. Developed through a trip to Bosnia and meetings with family members of the protagonist actors. Common Ground considers the movement of former Yugoslavian refugees and migrants to Germany after the wars of the 1990s. Ronen examines how nationalism survives beyond the borders of the former nation-state and permeates memories and transnational diasporas.
Source: Gorki Theatre, Event listing for Common Ground: https://www.gorki.de/en/common-ground Berlin Global, Event Listing for Common Ground: https://www.berlinglobal.org/index.php?director-yael-ronen-portrays-the-history-of-former-yugoslavia-thr ough-song-and-dance= Taipei Times, Review of Common Ground by Diane Baker: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2016/09/23/2003655740