Necessary Targets: creation of mood and atmosphere

Setting and Scenery

The remote setting of the therapy centre in Bosnia helps establish a sense of isolation and displacement, as the women are removed from their familiar environments.
The bombed-out building where the therapy group meets is a constant reminder of the war and its devastating aftermath.
The basic, sparse scenery and props underscore the realism of the women’s experiences, creating a solemn and sombre atmosphere.
The absence of familiar comforts helps to develop an air of desperation and desolation.

Dialogue and Word Choice

The language barrier and cultural differences between characters contribute to the underlying tension throughout the play.
The blunt, stark language used by the Bosnian women when sharing their experiences contrasts with the controlled, clinical language of J.S and Melissa, highlighting their differences in perspective.
Sudden outbursts during the therapy sessions heighten the chaotic and volatile atmosphere, reflecting the women’s emotional turmoil.
The moments of silence between dialogues are equally potent, underlining the characters’ internal struggles.

Character Dynamics

The shifting dynamics between characters, ranging from hostility to compassion, masterfully create an environment of unpredictability and nervous anticipation.
The visible tension between the American therapists and Bosnian women, particularly J.S. and Zlata, highlight the cultural and experiential divide, contributing to the play’s unease.
The evolving connection between the characters, culminating in shared empathy and understanding, slowly changes the atmosphere from tense and uncomfortable to more intimate and empathetic.

Sound and Lighting

The use of raw, naturalistic sounds - like the occasional sound of distant gunfire - add depth to the war-torn atmosphere.
The lighting is used effectively to shift mood, such as dim lighting during reflective or solemn moments, punctuated by harsh lighting during tense confrontations.
Moments of pitch-dark silence create heart-stopping anxiety and mirror the characters’ experiences of nightly air raids.

Staging

The breaking of the fourth wall during the monologues where the women directly address the audience helps create a tense, uncomfortable atmosphere.
The use of minimal staging encourages the audience to focus more on the emotional trauma of the characters rather than their physical environment.
The intense, intimate staging reflects the power dynamics at play, the confrontations between characters, and the growing bonds between the women.