Early in 1992 as signs of spring and melting snow appear in Sarajevo, the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense. Zora and her husband Franjo have to make some tough decisions. Show more
Snipers position themselves on Sarajevo’s rooftops, the besieged city is under bombardment. The price of food is doubling and Zora continues to paint in her studio. Show more
Zora’s older husband Franjo and her frail mother have brought forward their visit to England to see her daughter. Zora is free to immerse herself in her painting. Show more
Sarajevo, summer 1992: the siege continues, Zora is no longer permitted to go to her studio. All telephone lines to the outside world have been cut. Show more
Without water, electricity or communications with the outside world and surrounded by snipers and hostile forces, Sarajevans struggle to survive in the hot summer of 1992. Show more
Zora is heartbroken by the conflagration at the National Library which destroyed her studio and paintings. Show more
The light and passion that has blossomed between Mirsad and Zora in the darkest of times, almost protects them from the brutality of the war outside in the city under siege. Show more
Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris
Episode 10
14 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LWLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FM
Available for 8 months
With the help of an aid worker named Dutch Eddie, Zora’s son-in-law Stephen has smuggled her out of Sarajevo. Her memory of her last night in the flat is clouded by hypothermia. Show more
Despite her imminent departure on a Red Cross evacution convoy, Zora has bought some paints from the wife of an artist who is losing his sight. Show more
Snow has arrived in Sarajevo, and the fierce cold of winter begins to gnaw at the besieged inhabitants of the city. Weak and hungry and frozen, Zora is not sure she can go on. Show more