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This Is War by Hannah Moscovitch: An Exploration of Identity, Loyalty, and the Perils of War

Patrick Rothfuss

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Published in This Is War Hannah Moscovitch

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Hannah Moscovitch's 2005 play, This Is War, is a powerful and moving examination of the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of war. Set in a refugee camp during the Bosnian War, the play follows the lives of four women as they struggle to survive and make sense of their shattered world. Through its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit, This Is War offers a profound meditation on the nature of conflict and its lasting impact on individuals and communities.

This Is War

by Hannah Moscovitch

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1709 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Themes of the Play

Identity: The Bosnian War forced many people to flee their homes and seek refuge in other countries. This displacement and loss of familiar surroundings can lead to a profound sense of identity loss. In This Is War, the characters grapple with questions of who they are and where they belong. They struggle to reconcile their pre-war identities with the new realities of their lives as refugees.

Loyalty: In times of war, loyalty is often tested to its limits. The characters in This Is War must decide where their loyalties lie—to their families, their country, their fellow refugees, or to themselves. These decisions are often difficult and can have far-reaching consequences.

The Perils of War: War is a brutal and unforgiving force that can destroy lives and communities in an instant. This Is War does not shy away from depicting the horrors of war, including violence, rape, and murder. The play shows how war can tear families apart, destroy homes, and leave lasting scars on the survivors.

Characters of the Play

Vedrana: A young Bosnian woman who has been forced to flee her home. She is a strong and determined woman, but she is also struggling to come to terms with the loss of her family and her former life.

Alma: A Bosnian woman who has been living in the refugee camp for several years. She is a kind and compassionate woman, but she is also haunted by the memories of her past.

Jelena: A Serbian woman who has been living in the refugee camp for several years. She is a proud and independent woman, but she is also struggling to reconcile her Serbian identity with the fact that she is now living in a Bosnian refugee camp.

Marija: A young Bosnian woman who has recently arrived at the refugee camp. She is a shy and withdrawn woman, but she is slowly beginning to open up to the other women.

The Playwright's Storytelling Techniques

Hannah Moscovitch uses a variety of storytelling techniques to create a powerful and immersive theatrical experience. These techniques include:

Non-linear storytelling: The play jumps back and forth in time, allowing the audience to see the characters' lives before, during, and after the war. This non-linear structure helps to create a sense of disorientation and uncertainty, which reflects the characters' own experiences of war.

Multiple perspectives: The play is told from the perspectives of all four women, which gives the audience a well-rounded view of the events of the war and its aftermath. This multiple-perspective approach helps to create a sense of empathy and understanding for all of the characters.

The use of music: Music plays an important role in the play, both as a way to create atmosphere and to express the characters' emotions. The use of music helps to heighten the emotional impact of the play and to create a sense of connection between the audience and the characters.

Reception and Legacy of the Play

This Is War has been critically acclaimed since its debut in 2005. The play has been praised for its powerful storytelling, its complex characters, and its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war. This Is War has won numerous awards, including the Governor General's Award for English-language Drama and the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play.

This Is War is a powerful and moving play that continues to resonate with audiences today. The play's themes of identity, loyalty, and the perils of war are timeless, and the characters' stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring. This Is War is a must-see for anyone interested in theater, history, or the human condition.

Hannah Moscovitch's This Is War is a powerful and moving exploration of the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of war. Through its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit, This Is War offers a profound meditation on the nature of conflict and its lasting impact on individuals and communities.

This Is War

by Hannah Moscovitch

4.4 out of 5