In the Shadow of Thunder is a historical drama inspired by Serbian history, family legacy, and the enduring consequences of political conflict.

The play is deeply personal, dedicated to the memories of Monika’s father and her uncle, Hadži Milan Aresnović, a historian and playwright. While politics and chess connected her with her father, theatre was the bond she shared with her uncle. Through their different perspectives, passionate convictions, and shared love for their country, both men profoundly shaped her understanding of history, identity, and human complexity.

Their influence lives on through this work, which revisits a defining chapter of Serbian history while reflecting on the political tensions and struggles for change that continue to shape Serbia today. Presented as a pilot theatrical production at Theatre West in Los Angeles in October 2025, In the Shadow of Thunder marked an important step in bringing this deeply personal and historically rooted story to the stage.

Costume Design and Creation: Monika Vidakovic designed and handmade the costumes for the production, bringing her own creative vision and attention to historical detail to the stage.