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Sideways

73. Reliving History

Mar 5, 2025
Lola Arias, an Argentinian theatre director and writer known for her groundbreaking documentary theatre, joins the conversation. The podcast delves into her ambitious play Minefield, where British and Argentinian veterans of the Falklands War unite to re-enact their traumatic experiences on stage. They confront painful memories and foster healing through shared storytelling. Emotions run high as mothers of fallen soldiers connect with the actors, shedding light on the deep bonds formed through artistic expression and the power of theatre to bridge divides.
29:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Reenactment in the play 'Minefield' allowed veterans to confront buried traumatic memories, illustrating the interplay between memory and bodily sensations.
  • The project fostered empathy among former enemies, demonstrating the potential for healing and understanding through shared narratives on conflicted histories.

Deep dives

The Impact of Reenactment on Memory

Reenactment offers a unique approach to exploring the complexities of memory, particularly for veterans of war. During the theatrical production 'Minefield', British and Argentinian veterans recreated their experiences from the Falklands War, which allowed them to confront and relive their past in a supporting environment. One Argentine veteran, Marcelo Vallejo, unexpectedly recalled traumatic memories while reenacting specific scenes, illustrating how physical expressions can unlock buried emotions and experiences. This process emphasizes that trauma can be stored in both memory and bodily sensations, revealing layers of experience that traditional methods may overlook.

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