CroatiaThe Sisačko Ljeto festival opens with a play titled 'When You Can't Hear the River,' which explores the experiences of the people of Banija, a region that has suffered two major losses—first during wartime destruction and later due to a catastrophic earthquake in 2020. The play, directed by Roman Nikolić and performed by Anita Matić Delić, Jelena Miholjević, and Iva Visković Križan, is based on authentic testimonies and personal stories collected through months of field research and conversations with local residents. Set along the banks of the river Kupa in Sisak, the performance combines natural surroundings with elements of post-earthquake reality, using containers as symbolic stage props. The play highlights themes of resilience, community strength, and the collective trauma of losing homes, while also emphasizing hope and rebuilding after disaster.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a cultural event centered around historical trauma and community resilience in the aftermath of war and natural disasters. While the subject matter involves regional history and social issues, the framing remains neutral, focusing on artistic expression and human experience. S
