Theater Na de Dam: 't Barre Land - 1991

1991 is a new performance of 't Barre Land

In 1991, the palindromic year that does not change when read from back to front, with the 1 symbolizing the beginning and the 9 symbolizing the end, war broke out in Yugoslavia. Dubravka Ugrešić, on whose stories and essays this new representation of 't Barre Land is based, had to flee her country because she refused to join the nationalist revolt. Because she wrote critically about the new violent ideology and the ethnic cleansing that was also applied in the areas of language and art, her books were removed from libraries and bookstores, she was denounced as an enemy of the people, and she eventually ended up as an exile in Amsterdam.

Dubravka Ugrešić

'My texts are no more than a footnote to the major events in Europe at the end of the twentieth century. This footnote will take on a more poignant meaning when this twentieth century dies with Europe, namely in Sarajevo, the city where it also began.'

Theatre After the Dam

On the evening of National Remembrance Day on May 4 at 9 p.m., theatremakers and artists throughout the Netherlands are committed to giving this day extra meaning. Every year, more than one hundred and thirty performances take place simultaneously, each in their own way relating to the Second World War.

Theater Na de Dam wants to commemorate, convey and make tangible the unknown and untold stories of the Second World War through the unique power of theatre. Commemorating and reflecting on our shared history creates a more cohesive and empathetic society.

Through the activities of Theater Na de Dam, current and future generations will be enriched with tools to become more vigilant, critical and resilient citizens who are proactive in combating inequalities, violence and discrimination.