≈ [Almost Equal To]

Original title ≈ [ungefär lika med]

Première 21. 2. 2025, Small Stage
Running time 2 hour and 15 minutes, no intermission.

Surtitles: English

Post-performance discussion with the artists.

Director Maša Pelko

Translator Mita Gustinčič Pahor

Dramaturg Luna Pentek

Set designer Lin Japelj

Costume designer Tina Bonča

Composer Val Fürst

Choreographer Bojana Robinson

Language consultant Mojca Marič

Lighting designer Andrej Hajdinjak

Assistant language consultant (Student) Zala Reich

Stage manager Uroš Kus

Prompter Karmen Živko

Cast

Blaž Dolenc, Petja Labović, Liza Marijina/Ana Urbanc, Minca Lorenci, Kristijan Ostanek

The symbol ≈ in mathematics denotes the meaning of an approximate equality, or literally “approximately equal to,” which serves as the definition through which the text interrogates interpersonal value and compares it to the power of capital. Khemiri uses the text to realize a frightening yet extremely everyday premise: what if absolutely everything we experience, everything that surrounds us, everything we expect and regret, could be translated into economic formulas of income and ultimate profit?

The narrative and perspective of the story are exchanged among more than twenty dramatic characters, ranging from lectures by scientists from the early nineteenth century to direct addresses to the audience. The staging thus constantly balances on a thin line between absurd—and therefore deeply familiar—humorous sequences of our lives on the one hand, and the cruel, brutal, and dark side of the social and societal system we inhabit on the other. Through a blend of theoretical, documentary, and fictional narration, it constructs a precise and carefully considered diagnosis of our present moment.