“Girls” tells of the experiences of the performers, their mothers and their grandmothers, who grew up in different social systems. The theatre work shows how sexuality, shame and growing up have changed against the backdrop of post-Yugoslavian history.
“Girls” is based on perspectives from three generations: those of the performers, their mothers, and their grandmothers. Through the personal stories of these women, the performers in this documentary play outline the changing times against the backdrop of (post-) Yugoslavian history. It's about growing up, early sexual experiences, and sex education: What did losing someone's so-called virginity mean for these different generations? How much did they fear an unwanted pregnancy? In an intimate exploration of their family histories, the lead characters face shame, pleasure, and silence while encouraging us to speak anyway.
Inspired by workshops with young people in Croatia, “Girls” thematically builds on the performance series “Sex Education II”, in which Ljubljana-based director Tjaša Črnigoj addresses issues of lust and sexual rights from the perspective of women. “Fight”, a play that reconstructs the feminist struggle for reproductive freedom in Yugoslavia, was performed at HAU in April 2024. “Girls” is the second collaboration between Tjaša Črnigoj and Rijeka-based Kolektiv Igralke.