Partner programme. “Samica” is not a Kulturni element production. We offer it as part of our touring programme as producers: we agree dates, terms and technical requirements with hosts and organise the company’s visit.
“Samica” (Alone), based on Milena Depolo’s original text “Trpele”, grew out of the real life stories of women supported by the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, and speaks about women who are victims of intimate partner violence. Four women of different professions and different social, economic and educational backgrounds are serving prison sentences for killing their abusive partners.
When the system fails, institutions turn a deaf ear and those closest “mind their own business”. Then the victim of violence, for a killing in self-defence, is sentenced to solitary confinement.
According to the figures cited by the creative team, Serbia recorded 26 femicides in 2022, 28 in 2023 and 19 in 2024, and nine in the first six months of 2025.
The play is directed by Milan Cerović and performed by Tamara Bardak, Snežana Erić, Ljubica Ikić and Aleksandra Obradović. It premiered on 1 October 2023 at the Academic Theatre AKUD “Branko Krsmanović” in Belgrade, opening the theatre’s season. It has since been performed in Belgrade and beyond, including at Dorćol Platz on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2023 and at the Žitište Cultural Centre during the “16 Days of Activism” campaign in 2024.
“Samica” is not a play for women about women. It is a play for us about us — a reminder that we become accomplices when we close our eyes to violence.
Touring requirements
The production is technically modest and adapts to different spaces — from theatre stages to cultural centre halls and schools.
Company
Four actresses and a technician, usually travelling in one passenger car.
Set
Four black wooden chairs without armrests and a black curtain, provided by the host or replaced by agreement.
Lighting
Four red LED fixtures, two Fresnels, one profile spot (ideally with an orange filter) and a lighting desk.
Sound and projection
PA suited to the venue, a mixer with at least six channels, an AUX link for a laptop and a projector onto the back wall.
Time
Two hours to set up, half an hour to strike.
Dressing room
One dressing room with four chairs, two tables, a mirror and adequate lighting.
We send the full production, technical and hospitality rider, together with the touring terms, to organisers on request.
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