Mothers. A Song for Wartime

The rituals of war – Violence against, rape, and murder of women, along with the execution of civilians, remain unchanged. These atrocities occurred across Europe during the Thirty Years' War and have persisted in the Balkans over the last thirty years, in regions such as Chechnya, Syria, Georgia, Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine. "Whoever wins, baby, the winner is always war!" 

The internationally renowned Polish director, author, and singer Marta Górnicka brings together 25 Ukrainian, Polish, and Belarusian mothers and their children on stage. They are refugees from Mariupol, Kyiv, Bucha—some fleeing the war, others escaping persecution in their home country. All find their place in the Chorus of Mothers, inspired by an opera form referencing ritual women's choruses from the seventh century BCE. During this ancient period, choral poetry held a prominent and central place in religious and social life in Ancient Greece 

Marta Górnicka stands out as one of the most distinguished European directors of contemporary theatre work with choirs. Her unique approach, combining political engagement and artistic work, draws inspiration from Bertolt Brecht, emphasizing the importance of making the contradictory voices in social conflicts heard.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Republik of Poland from the Fund for the Promotion of Culture.