Peer Gynt from Kosovo is the story of the failure of a dream. Driven by the simple hope for a better live and the pursuit of happiness, young Peer sets out from the pre-war Kosovo to find a future in the paradise called Europe. Much of what happens to the young man on his journey reflects the experience of many young desperados who leave their homelands every year full of hope. Very often their dream becomes a nightmare, when humiliated by authorities, isolated far from home, a lack of perspective and social exclusion in their new home comes together. In their longing for recognition they often become easy victims for false friends who offer the supposed security of a group. Peer finds himself respected in a gang of Albanians who show him their criminal skills and assure him protection, but despite this promise he soon finds himself in prison. During his time in jail a gradual process of radicalization begins. Religion gives him courage, a meaning in life and strengthens his self-consciousness. Here the play shows a very present problem in our societies – the religious radicalization of young men in prison. Many of the so-called holy warriors from Europe who fight in Syria today, have been radicalized in jail.

Photos by: Jetmir Idrizi

"Peer Gynt from Kosovo" written by Jeton Neziraj and directed by Agon Myftari will be part of "Blickfelder Festival" organized by the Canton of Zurich which will be held from 13th to 23rd of June, 2019 in Zurich.

"Peer Gynt from Kosovo" will be played three times, on 18th and 19th of June.

"Blickfelder Festival" is the main festival of children's and youth theater in Switzerland and one of the most important festivals in Europe. It has an international character and this year, except for the performance from Kosovo, will be presented dozens of performances from Switzerland and different countries of the world.

"Peer Gynti from Kosovo" was realized in May 2017, and from that time there were over 20 repetitions in Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia and Germany. This year, though, except in Switzerland, the play will also be shown in Lyon, France.

"Peer Gynt from Kosovo" was produced by Qendra Multimedia and it had its premiere in May 2017. The actors of this play are: Bujar Ahmeti, Donike Ahmeti/Semira Latifi, Tristan Halilaj and Shpëtim Selmani.

Stage design was made by Nicole Minssen, costumes by: Yllka Brada and music composed by Gabriele Marangoni. The playwright of the play was Stefan Schletter.