Bambiland (written by Elfriede Jelinek)

I was moved to tears by this show, while still being able to laugh within all the depth and grief and anger that it elicited in me. The combination of Jelinek's play and the performer Jelena's own experiences made it a multilayered political and personal account. Whithin its personal and specific narration, I could relate and identify and therefore I think it reaches out to many other war-contexts in our times now. Within its sadness there was a strong sense of empowerment.

Masterfully performed. Truthful. Haunting.

If you want a show that will make you stop and think look no further.

In this performance, the audience is taken on a journey through the Bosnian war but the themes hit just as true to any war in which the people, and specifically children, are used as warfare currency.

Through playful, childish moments, the performer seamlessly shares personal memories of the war and leaves you with a lot to reflect upon.
The set is her warzone the props, children's toys, she uses to bring to life a haunting tale.

One of the most impactful moments and one that stays with you is when Jelena asks: "Is it better that way?" after staying silent. Is ignorance truly bliss? Can we continue living away from silent voices of the oppressed?

Truly unique and impactful.

This show unsettled me and brought me to tears, in the best way. Jelena captured the stage and the audience and made sure she didn't let us go til the show wrapped. The camera work and audience involvement hit a perfect balance, and helped in maintaining the very particular atmosphere for a very particular exploration of anti-war sentiment.

An incredibly movie and unique piece of theater, wonderfully performed by Jelena Basic. I really enjoyed the creative use of sound, lighting and camera work and Jelena's strong storytelling. Highly recommend!

One of the most potent antiwar plays I’ve ever seen. It’s not gory and it’s not politically naive and it’s not simple minded. It doesn’t tell you what to feel. But I’ve never seen so clearly the sheer horror and void of war. Not an easy watch but a must watch

Gripping, uncomfortable, moving.

An exceedingly relevant, raw look at the human stories of war that are tragically ignored, glossed over or omitted from much of our modern media.
Written in 2004, in the wake of the illegal invasion of Iraq by US and European forces, this interpretation has been skilfully adapted into a one woman show depicting the experience of the lead’s (Jelena Bašic) childhood throughout the conflict in Bosnia. That said, the play’s essence can be applied to any of the wars presently unfolding.. the dulled inhuman ignorance of war machines that kill remotely via users 100 or 1000 miles away.. the shipping of citizens to front lines for causes they may or may not believe in.

Be prepared for a rollercoaster as Bašic lulls you into a narrative on how we perceive the suffering of war in safer lands distant from conflict, before dragging you into the reality of her own (and other’s) experience; and back again…

An important, deeply moving show. Jelena Basic's performing and the use of light, visuals and sound is outstanding. The show has a raw intensity, the stage falls into an effectful chaos but there are also moments of poignant humour and hope. I highly recommend.

An incredibly thought provoking reflection of the world through the eyes of both child and adult surviving the wars we see all too commonly. Deep and dark, but somehow also illuminating and playful. You might never see a more personal and heartfelt performance.

Last night I went to see Bambiland with a friend. What an experience! It was raw, uncompromising, and enthralling. The show had an interesting way of using technology and everyday objects. Jelena Bašić commands the stage with ease. She is powerful and captivating. At some points the play is harrowing - even disturbing, but there are also tender moments and a few laugh-out-loud moments.
I loved it and I highly recommend it!