"30 Under 30" is an evocative Larp exploring contrasts between modern glamorization and the real, tragic lives of 30 World War II heroines under 30. Set in modern times, players embody historical figures, transitioning from superficial interviews to deep reflections on courage, sacrifice, and legacy, challenging contemporary perceptions of heroism and history.
Step into a world where glossy magazine covers meet the brutal realities of wartime resistance. In this evocative experience, participants take on the roles of young female national heroes from World War II, navigating a narrative that begins with the glitz of celebrity-style interviews and descends into the harrowing depths of their personal stories. Through intense roleplay, participants grapple with the tension between society’s trivialization of their legacy and the profound sacrifices these women made in the fight against fascism.
This is a story about the commodification of heroism, the resilience of human spirit under unimaginable pressure, and the ways we interpret—and misinterpret—history. It examines how contemporary culture distorts the legacies of these heroines, raising questions about whether we truly honor their memory or merely exploit it for shallow narratives.
At its heart, this Larp is an exploration of:
Heroism: How do we define it in the face of both glamour and tragedy? What lessons can we learn from the courage of those who resisted oppression?
Legacy: How are these heroines remembered in a modern context, and what does it mean to preserve the truth of their stories?
Identity and Sacrifice: How do personal stories of bravery and loss resonate when juxtaposed with today’s culture of commodification and spectacle?
History’s Reflection: How do we reconcile the heroic acts of the past with the cultural and societal shifts that have reframed their significance?
The experience unfolds in a photo studio—a symbolic space that contrasts the banality of modern society with the raw, complex lives of these women. Participants move through phases: from casual interviews mimicking the world of high fashion, to dark interrogations reflecting the heroines’ imprisonment, and finally to an introspective analysis of their enduring impact on history, viewed through the shifting contexts of Yugoslavian resistance and contemporary Croatian and ex-Yugoslavian society.
As participants, you will embody these remarkable women, exploring their struggles, decisions, and legacy through dynamic and reflective roleplay. From the forced glamour of superficial interviews to the gritty truth of their resistance, you will uncover the deeper questions about heroism and history:
How do we preserve the true essence of their sacrifices in a world obsessed with appearances?
What does it mean to honor their legacy in the face of cultural and historical distortion?
Can we connect with their humanity while confronting our own biases about courage and identity?
This Larp challenges players to delve into the lives of extraordinary women, navigating the tensions between past and present, authenticity and commercialization. It’s a chance to engage with history, reframe narratives, and rediscover the resilience and complexity of those who shaped our world.