When theatre preserves memory and opens space for new generations

We begin today with the workshop Bert and Nasi: Less, where the internationally acclaimed performance duo will present their artistic approach. Through simplicity, minimalism, and an authentic stage presence, their work creates space for reflection on contemporary social issues.

At an outdoor venue beneath Mariborsko Pohorje, audiences will be able to see Ships, directed by Mojca Madon and based on the true stories of Slovenian emigrants.

The student programme will conclude with the discussion AGRFT 80, marking the anniversary of the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television. The conversation will highlight the Academy’s development, significance, and role in shaping Slovenia’s theatre and film landscape. This will be followed by the final student production, Peršman (Study), based on the text by Florjan Lipuš. Julija Urban’s original project draws on the violence that marked the end of the Second World War, while also turning its gaze toward contemporary Europe, where it identifies new forms of authoritarianism, nationalism, and social control.

In the Competition Programme, the Mladinsko Theatre, together with GO! 2025 European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica–Gorizia, will present 1974, directed and dramaturged by Tomi Janežič. This transgenerational documentary fiction interweaves the personal stories of its creators with local and global events, blending intimate memories with broader historical narratives and raising questions of belonging, migration, and shared historical memory. The performance will be followed by a discussion with the creative team.

The festival evening will conclude at Minoriti with bambus and An evening of poetry and music. Through a fusion of original poetry, music, and performance, the collective creates a distinctly contemporary stage experience where rock, jazz, improvisation, and spoken word meet.