Remembering Genocide on the Stage: Legal Aliens Theatre’s Adaptation of Aidan Hehir’s Flowers of Srebrenica

How does an artist representing genocide navigate the tension between respectful commemoration and critical engagement? Why does the stage lend itself particularly well to remembering stories of genocide? What does it take for ‘spectators’ to care? In this episode, our Research Director, Kolby, sits down with Legal Aliens Theatre Director Lara Parmiani to discuss their company’s stage adaptation of Aidan Hehir’s book, Flowers of Srebrenica. Their discussions delve into the broader work of Legal Aliens Theatre, the artistic choices made in adapting Hehir’s book to the stage, the different reactions from audiences throughout the Balkans, the company’s expectations for their upcoming Western European shows, and the significance of their adaptation in a time of ongoing genocide.Lara Parmiani (known also as Lara Parmiani-Williams) is a British Italian actress. She trained at Accademia Dei Filodrammatici in Milan and at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.She also spent some time in Paris studying with Jean Paul Denison, from Peter Brook's company, and attended physical theatre workshops with Peter Flaszen in Florence and Complicite' in London. Lara has experience in most theatrical genres, from Physical Theatre to the classics, from musical to new writing which she's also produced with her company LegalAliens. On screen, she made her debut in the mid 90s in the Italian TV show Ciao Ciao Mattina. TV experience also includes the BBC series "He knew he was right", and the pilot "Hollow Bones." Films include "Nine days of hell," "Yours in solidarity," "Berberian Sound Studio," (Frightfest winner in 2012) and the Bond movie "Spectre." Lara's diverse background - a mix of Italian, Hungarian, Jewish and British has allowed her to play characters from all over the world - Italian, Spanish, French, Eastern European, British and even Moroccan.The content featured in this podcast may be emotionally disturbing and intense. Listener discretion is advised. Please consult this document for mental health resources if needed.U.S.-Based Resources:• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988• Open Path Collective: https://openpathcollective.org/• BIPOC Mental Health Resources: https://www.thementalhealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BIPOC-Mental-Health-Resources.pdfGlobal Resources:• Befrienders: https://befrienders.org/• Find a Helpline: https://findahelpline.com/• I Call Helpline: https://icallhelpline.org/• 13 Yarn: https://www.13yarn.org.au/• Help Guide: https://www.helpguide.org/find-help.htm