Necessary Targets: historical context

Overview of Historical Context in Necessary Targets

Necessary Targets is set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War (1992-1995), a conflict that took place amidst the break-up of Yugoslavia.
Ethnic tensions between Serbians, Croatians, and Bosniaks spiralled into a brutal armed conflict, with atrocities including genocide, sexual violence, and widespread ethnic cleansing.
The aftermath of the war left a lasting impact on the Balkan region and its people, forever altering their psychological, social, and cultural realities.

Role of the Bosnian War in Necessary Targets

The play features a diverse cast of Bosnian women from different social backgrounds and ages, all of whom have been deeply affected by the war.
The characters’ stories vividly illustrate the personal toll of the Bosnian War and portray the wide range of responses to trauma.
Central themes such as war, trauma, healing, and cultural understanding are explicitly linked to the context of the Bosnian War.

Impact of Historical Events on Characters’ Lives

The Bosnian War forms the backstory of each character, shaping their attitudes, reactions, and dialogues in the play.
The war’s legacy of violence and loss deeply affects the characters’ psychological states, often expressed through strong emotions, flashbacks, or sub-text.
The historical context informs the characters’ identities and life choices, guiding the depictions of their resilience, pain, compassion, or resistance.

Comparison of American and Bosnian Experiences

The play juxtaposes the relatively peaceful and prosperous lives of the American therapists, J.S. and Melissa, with the war-torn existence of the Bosnian women.
This stark contrast highlights the impact of global politics and historical circumstances on individuals’ lives, while shedding light on issues of privilege, understanding, and empathy.

Relevance of Historical Context in Necessary Targets

Understanding the historical context of Necessary Targets is critical for grasiving the full depth of the play, its themes, and the characters’ nuanced reactions to their situations.
It offers insights into the harrowing realities of war, and the ways in which historical events can shape personal experiences and identities.
The Bosnian War, as depicted in Necessary Targets, serves as a reflection on the universal human struggle to cope with trauma and seek healing.