Author Description

"Jenufa (Her Step-daughter), by Gabriela Preissova (Czech): They play is a neglected classic about the secret birth and infanticide of Jenufa's baby. It aroused controversy at its premiere and later became the basis for Janacek's famous opera." "The Umbilical Cord, by Krystyna Kofta (Poland): The portrayal of an intense three-way relationship in a family where ritual has replaced real life." "Tulip Doctor, by Vera Filo (Hungary): A surreal and kaleidoscopic exploration of contemporary life with a cast of real and mythical characters engaged in an absurd search for meaning. Set against the background of war, life becomes a cartoon, where anything can happen and will." "The Tender Mercies, by Sladjana Vujovic (Montenegro): A tense psychological drama in which language is a weapon and the relationship between torturer and victim becomes infinitely interchangeable." "Nascendo, by Alina Nelega (Romania): Set in a Maternity hospital on the eve of the revolution, three pregnant women, hospital staff and a young man reflect the conflicts within and the future of Romanian society." "The Chosen Ones, by Elena Popova (Belorussia): Irina lives with her father, her daughter, her husband and his mistress in their decaying apartment, longing to change her life but with little hope of escape." "Belgrade Trilogy, by Biljana Srbljanovic (Yugoslavia): Set in Sydney, Los Angeles and Prague on New Year's Eve, the play shows snapshots from everyday life of young people who fled abroad to escape the Balkan war and the choices they face as they attempt to build a new life for themselves as exiles."--BOOK JACKET.