THE LEGEND ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD
The performance deals with the problem of creating life in the ruins through the perspective of three contemporary women through whom archetypes from different cultures in the world are refracted. Three women remain in the ruins of a temple – it could be a church of any religion, a library, their home, or their inner space. They try to create life in the ruins, to preserve and acquire knowledge that will guide them, despite the obstacles. [1995]
They remember their past, traditions, legends, and myths of various cultures. They recall the hidden meaning of colors and gestures, songs, dances, and seek a way to continue Life. The archetypal triads from mythology and literature are refracted through three contemporary women: Cassandra-Arizba-Penthesilea; The Three Fates: Past – Present – Future; Goddesses Kali-Shakti-Durga; Clara-Blanca-Alba from “The House of the Spirits”.
LEGEND OF THE END OF THE WORLD has toured various parts of Yugoslavia and in: Denmark, Sweden, Great Britain (Edinburgh Festival), Romania (International Festival in Sibiu), Greece, and the USA (Arts Festival Atlanta, 7 Stages Theatre).
“In an enigmatically beautiful image, they spill bags of salt to create a massive hieroglyph around a miniature city square, which swirls with their precious photographs. It is an image of devastation, isolation (loneliness), and yet somehow hope – from agony arises a violent cry for life.”
– Glasgow Herald (30.08.1995)
“It is DAH Theatre performing “Legend of the End of the World,” an exotic mix of mythological storytelling and primal dance-theater. Many of the themes reflect the confusion and madness in the former Yugoslavia, the homeland of this troupe.”
– Amber Scott (Austin American Statesman, 14.08.1996)
Cast: Sanja Krsmanović Tasić, Valentina Milivojević, Maja Mitić
Directed and written by: Jadranka Anđelić and Dijana Milošević
Set and costume design: Antonella Diana
Music: Nenad Jelić (original songs), traditional songs from Serbia, Irish lullaby
Texts from: “Cassandra” by Christa Wolf, “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende, poetry by Constantine Cavafy and Zvonko Tarla,
Tibetan Book of the Dead, Tibetan legends of the end of the world, and the Bible
Supported by the Open Society Fund Belgrade
