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For its latest show, the creative minds at Panglossian Productions have set their sights on “Necessary Targets,” a drama about refugees in the aftermath of the Bosnian War. The play runs Friday through Aug. 26 at the Williamsburg Library Theatre.

“It’s going to be one of those shows where everyone is going to find somebody to connect to,” said actor Kim Nicholson.

The plot follows a pair of American women — a psychiatrist and a writer, played by Nicholson — who travel to Bosnia in the aftermath of its mid-1990s civil war and Bosnian genocide. They hope to help women refugees deal with their traumatic pasts and trying present.

“This show is very timely in talking about trauma and things like assault,” said Lee Ann Rose, who plays the Bosnian character of Azra. “This violence is in all of us. If you don’t watch out for it, it can come out.”

Playwright Eve Ensler, best known for “The Vagina Monologues,” conducted interviews with women who survived the war as a foundation for the story.

Early scenes emphasize how different the two groups are, as the Americans wrestle with comprehending the Bosnians’ specific struggles. They appear profoundly out of their depths. But as the story progresses, the pair must confront pain from their own pasts as all of the women work to persevere toward a better tomorrow.

It’s a tale of resiliency in spite of tragedy, an empowering battle cry much like Ensler’s magnum opus. Although “Necessary Targets” debuted 15 years before the #MeToo movement, and nearly as many before the ongoing refugee crisis, the cast and crew are confident its themes resonate as much as ever.

“I think it’s very important we present these stories. These themes will always be relevant,” Nicholson said. “Nowadays, people are so desensitized to certain things. It’s going to make things much more real.”

Lee Ann Rose, Kelsey Brown and Lindsey Foster portray Bosnian refugees in the play.
Lee Ann Rose, Kelsey Brown and Lindsey Foster portray Bosnian refugees in the play.

Director Bryan Austin said the presence of a male director in charge of this particular play might draw comparisons to a fox in the hen house. Instead, he saw an opportunity to gain perspective from a team of intelligent, creative and passionate peers.

“I took it as a chance for a learning experience,” he said. “As a white male, I think that’s the healthiest mindset you can have.”

All but one of the production’s designers are women. Kelsey Brown, who plays a Bosnian named Nuna in the play, said it’s also one the few all-woman casts with whom she’s worked.

“This has been one of the most rewarding experiences as far as growing as an actor,” she said. “Everyone is so perfectly placed.”

The ensemble hopes “Necessary Targets” inspires empathy, compassion and kindness at a time when such concepts can seem in short supply. It does include lighter moments throughout, but it’s a complex journey filled with complex emotions, a challenge for the performers and the audience simultaneously.

“It’s not an easy play to act in. It’s not an easy play to direct,” Austin said. “But life’s not easy.”

Want to go?

“Necessary Targets” runs 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25 and 2 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 26. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 at the door or $10 for students with ID, available at panglossian.org.