The theatrical performance Stories of the Survivors addresses the topic of the Roma Holocaust using a method that will move audiences to their core.

Under the auspices of the project of the same name by the Slovo 21 association, a unique production has been created, featuring seven non-professional actors whose family members were victims of the Romani Holocaust. Using the method of Theatre of the Oppressed, the production transforms the true stories of their families into a poignant testimony about a long-neglected injustice. The interactive performance was held on Sunday, March 16, at Café Husovka and is part of a broader project Stories of Survivors, backed by the Slovo 21 association and the Museum of Romani Culture, a state-funded organization.  

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The Romani Holocaust is one of the darkest chapters of our history, yet it is rarely discussed. The project Stories of Survivors, which runs from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2026, seeks to confront this historical injustice and reflect on the contemporary understanding of Romani history and the Holocaust in the Czech Republic. "We want to give this complex topic a human dimension through the authentic stories of people who experienced unspeakable suffering during the Second World War," explains Natálie Klee, the project coordinator from Slovo 21.

The Theatre of the Oppressed method gives a voice to groups that are often excluded from public debate.

"It involves using life stories, real-life situations, and theatrical techniques to work with those who have personal experience with some form of oppression," states one of the Theatre of the Oppressed instructors, Líza Urbanová, in the performance notes.

The narrative of the performance is woven from the authentic experiences of the participants. At the end of the production, the audience is invited to step into individual scenes and work with the actors on stage to find better, alternative solutions to the grim reality. This creates an open dialogue between the audience and the actors, where everyone present reflects on difficult topics and considers ways to offer a helping hand to the oppressed.

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"For me, this group was unique because they are such great storytellers. So, it was heavily based on working with the spoken word," mentioned the second instructor, Dana Moree, after the pre-premiere. "And it is truly incredible with what courage and dedication they took it on," Moree adds.

The topics opened during the performance are sensitive in every respect. The instructors see sharing these painful issues through theater as an opportunity to contribute to the social debate: "We use a method that is clear and structured enough to provide a safe corridor for sharing something so intimate and painful."

"Some of the stories were painful because they were true memories we were sharing. But it brought us very close together," admits one of the performers after the successful pre-premiere. The applause and the audience's willingness to engage in the production during its first showing were clear indicators of interest in the topic being addressed.  

"I didn't know most of my colleagues, but I have to say they are amazing people. I didn't hesitate to share family stories about the Holocaust, even though it was difficult at times during the rehearsal process," says another actor, reflecting on the atmosphere.

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A total of 7 protagonists participated in the performance: Zdeněk Daniel, Zdeněk Serinek, Jozef Miker, Stanislav Svoboda, Ilona Ferková, Marcela Surmajová, and Emilie Machálková. The group has seven more performances scheduled through June 2026. Audiences can look forward to the next ones on April 16 at Divadlo D21 and then on May 28 at Divadlo Vila na Štvanici as part of the Khamoro festival.

For over 25 years, the Slovo 21 association has been dedicated to integrating Roma into mainstream society through a range of activities, such as tutoring Roma students, working with the Manushe Roma women's group, and organizing the Khamoro World Roma Festival. The project Stories of the Survivors was supported by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ).

This text does not represent the opinion of the EVZ Foundation. The author is responsible for all claims contained in this text.

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Contact person:

Marie-Anna Růžičková
732 268 201
marie.ruzickova@slovo21.cz