The monodrama “Iskra” was performed tonight at 220 Venue in Chicago, telling the story of Nikola Tesla through the eyes of his mother, Georgina Đuka Tesla. The performance was organized by the media channel Između dva sveta (“Between Two Worlds”).
Performed by Maja Kolundžija Zoroe, “Iskra” presents Nikola Tesla’s story from the perspective of his mother, Georgina Đuka Tesla. Based on historical facts, letters, testimonies and documents, the production covers the period from Nikola’s birth to his mother’s death. It introduces audiences to his family’s ancestry on both his mother’s and father’s sides, his relationships with those closest to him and the circumstances in which the future scientist grew up.
Through Đuka’s memories, the play portrays Tesla’s childhood mischief, youthful doubts and mistakes, his departure for a foreign land and his inventions. His mother’s perspective also reveals personal qualities that often remain overshadowed by his scientific achievements, presenting him as a man with both strengths and weaknesses.
According to Maja Kolundžija Zoroe, work on the production was preceded by extensive research into Tesla’s family history. The play explores how his family, Serbian heritage, Orthodox Christian faith and upbringing in Lika influenced his life. At the heart of the story is his relationship with his mother, allowing audiences to see Tesla more as a person and less as a scientist, with all his strengths and weaknesses.
The script is written in the Ijekavian variety of Serbian, while the costumes, props and music faithfully depict life in Lika during Tesla’s lifetime.
The script was written by Ružica Vasić, with Dejan Cicmilović responsible for directing and adapting the production. “Iskra” premiered in Smiljan, Nikola Tesla’s birthplace, and has since been performed more than 100 times.
We spoke with actress Maja Kolundžija Zoroe about Đuka Tesla, her relationship with her son, the role that family and social circumstances played in his life, and how audiences responded to the production in Tesla’s birthplace of Smiljan and in Chicago.
The play is based on historical facts, letters and documents. How much do we really know about Đuka Tesla?
The life of Georgina Đuka Tesla, the mother of the great Nikola Tesla, is not extensively documented. What we know with confidence comes mostly from Nikola’s letters and accounts recorded by his contemporaries. In the production, we took great care to ensure that the facts were accurate and verified, while the mother’s character was dramatized based on women from that region, with careful attention to the historical period. While working on the script, we consulted experts who study Nikola Tesla’s life.
How much attention do we pay to the mothers of our scientists and other prominent figures? To what extent do we recognize their sacrifices and contributions to their children’s success?
We often view our scientists and great figures in general as they were at the height of their achievements. Through “Iskra,” we tried to portray Nikola as he was from his earliest years to the moment he achieved worldwide fame. A mischievous, curious boy with a restless spirit grew into a young man eager for knowledge but also prone to human weaknesses, before becoming a great visionary and innovator.
All of that is part of the life journey of a genius, and his mother was the most important person along that journey.
How does the story of Tesla’s relationship with his mother add to our understanding of him?
Nikola’s relationship with his mother tells us about him as a person, as well as the place and time he came from. It reflects a traditional relationship with a mother who represents love, support, encouragement and protection, someone who is always there when needed and asks for nothing in return.
Beyond the love evident in every word and action, Nikola’s deep respect for his mother is also apparent.
How much did his background, family relationships and the environment in which he grew up influence Tesla’s life? Would his life and career have been different if he had grown up with a different mother or under different circumstances?
It is difficult to say whether different circumstances would have affected Tesla’s ability to fulfill his potential, or in what way.
I believe the role of his mother, whom he always described as intelligent and resourceful, was extremely important.
In addition to the brilliant mind he was born with, Nikola took many important lessons from his family home that shaped him and became the foundation of the person he grew to be.
Do audience reactions differ from place to place? How was the play received in Smiljan, Tesla’s birthplace, compared with Chicago?
Yes, audience reactions vary. Over these 150 performances, no two audiences have been the same. Naturally, people from that region responded to the authentic expressions and local names.
Nevertheless, the response to the heart of the story is always similar. The depth of a mother’s emotions and her primal strength leave no one indifferent.
Photo: Milan Brašanac
Check out more photos from this event in the gallery below
