Ivan Cankar:
On the Slope (Na klancu)

Running time: The performance lasts approximately 3 hours with intermission.

In Slovenian, without translation.

The novel assigned as compulsory reading for the 2026 Matura, Slovenia’s final high-school examination

Its special artistic qualities rank Ivan Cankar’s novel Na klancu (On the Slope) among the fundamental works of Slovenian modernism and social-psychological realism. Its central value lies in the exceptionally profound psychological characterisations, especially of Francka the mother and daughter, who are not merely bearers of social status, but internally divided, emotionally complex personalities. Cankar uses small, often symbolic details to reveal inner turmoil, feelings of guilt, humiliation, and longing, thus investing the novel with great emotional and ethical tension.

Another important quality of the novel is its social criticism, which is not overt or moralistic, but subtly instilled into the characters’ destinies. Poverty, class inequality, and the hopelessness of the common man are represented as systemic problems that dehumanize both the oppressed and those in power. The Slope as the central motif symbolises the arduous, almost impossible upward mobility, i.e., social advancement, which remains largely unattainable, as well as the existential burden of life. A special value of the novel is Cankar's unique style, a blend of realistic narrative and pronounced lyricism. Rather than merely describing external reality, the language is dense, rhythmic, and often metaphorical, establishing a powerful mood.
The narrative pace is calm and deliberate, allowing for a deep experience of the characters' emotional realms and emphasizing the sense of inescapable destiny. The novel is also known for its distinct ethical and humanistic dimensions. Rather than condemning his characters, Cankar feels compassion and understanding towards them, portraying maternal sacrifice as a fundamental moral value. Not only a social novel, Na klancu is also a deeply moving literary work about dignity, suffering, and unfulfilled lives, remaining of relevance to contemporary readers.

Jernej Lorenci

One of today's most prominent and influential Slovenian stage directors. In Slovenia and the wider region, Lorenci is renowned for his signature, profound, and physically demanding directing method. His productions are characterized by thorough work with actors, a strong emphasis on words, rhythm, and collective acting, as well as approaching classical plays with modern staging techniques. Lorenci likes to tackle works belonging to the literary canon (ancient tragedies, Shakespeare, great novels and plays), which he does not interpret illustratively, but rather actualises through the existential, ethical and social issues of contemporary mankind. A sought-after director, he has worked locally, directing productions in all major Slovenian theatres, and internationally. His most distinctive works are hours-long, ensemble-based projects that create total theatre experiences.

Lorenci is a recipient of various professional awards and recognitions, including several Borštnik Awards, solidifying his renown as a central figure in Slovenian theatre. He is known for consistently transcending conventional theatre-making models and repeatedly opening up space for reflection, emotional exposure, and intellectually challenging theatre.

Gregor Zorc

A Slovenian theatre and film actor and performer. A significant part of his oeuvre is connected with Via Negativa, a collective that allowed him to develop a signature performative style. Over the past decade, Zorc has devised or co-created contemporary theatre projects outside Via Negativa. While not a member of any institutional ensemble, he regularly appears in major stage productions at institutional theatres. In addition to carving out a distinguished career in theatre, Gregor Zorc has made his mark as a film actor, coming into prominence with his role in the film Šelestenje (Rustling Landscapes) and winning the Vesna Award for Best Actor. Known for his unwavering commitment to authorial responsibility, performative presence, and work outside the conventional acting hierarchies, Zorc has established himself as a leading figure of Slovenia’s contemporary independent theatre.

Selected awards
2023 Veliki Plan Award for Ensemble Acting in the Feature Film Orkester (Orchestra)
2023 Week of Slovenian Drama Best Actor Award, for the play Pravljice našega otroštva (The Fairy Tales of Our Childhood (directed by Jernej Lorenci, Prešeren Theatre Kranj and Slovene National Theatre Nova Gorica),
2017 Borštnik Award for Best Actor (Stenica (Bedbug), co-production of Prešeren Theatre Kranj and City Theatre Ptuj)
2002 Vesna Award for Best Actor (Šelestenje, Ljubljana)
 

Tamara Avguštin

A Slovenian theatre and film actress. She started out on her career while still a student, winning the 2017 Sever Award for student acting achievements for the role of Joan in the Mladinsko Theatre and AGRFT production of Sexual Perversity in Chicago, directed by Tin Grabnar. In the following seasons, she acted in several productions of the Slovene National Theatre Drama Ljubljana, winning her first widespread critical praise and an acknowledgment of her acting talent – the 2018 Borštnik Award for Young Actress in the play Visoška kronika (The Visoko Chronicle). In this period, she also appeared in the SNT Drama Ljubljana productions Ponorela lokomotiva (The Crazy Locomotive) and O čem govorimo, ko govorimo o ljubezni (What We Talk About When We Talk About Love), which were revived and toured various festivals. In addition to her work at the SNT Drama, she was also involved in projects at other venues and informal theatre platforms, where she constantly refined her acting skills and expanded her creative reach. In the 2025/26 season, she appeared in the production 1977 by director Tomi Janežič, staged by the Mladinsko Theatre and co-produced by various theatres (including Slovene National Theatre Nova Gorica), raising her visibility in the contemporary theatre scene. Throughout her career, Avguštin has pursued a wide range of interests and approaches, from classical theatre roles to socially-engaged independent projects and film roles.

Selected roles
 2025 ; 1977, directed by Tomi Janežič, Mladinsko Theatre, SNG Nova Gorica, Krušče Creative Centre, non-institutional projects, GO! 2025 - European Capital of Culture
2025 ; Tjaša Črnigoj, Tjaša Črnigoj, Tamara Avguštin, Anja Novak, Katarina Stegnar, Miranda Trnjanin 55. ČLEN (ARTICLE 55), directed by Tjaša Črnigoj, Mladinsko Theatre
2024 Ona/She; Tanja Šljivar KOT VSA SVOBODNA DEKLETA (Like All Free Girls), directed by Mojca Madon, Prešeren Theatre Kranj
2023 ; UMIRAJOČI BOG TRIGLAV (The Dying God Triglav), directed by Mojca Madon, SNT Nova Gorica, non-institutional project, AGRFT
2023 Marie Antoinette / Rozi, Bešnar’s wife; MRAKIJADA (The Mrakiad), directed by Nina Rajić Kranjac, SNT Drama Ljubljana
2022 ; NENADOMA, REKA (Suddenly, a River), directed by Kokan Mladenović, SNT Nova Gorica, City Theatre Ptuj
2022 Rachel Donelan, biologist; Ivan Viripajev ZAPRTA ŠTUDIJA “New Conctructive Ethics”, directed by Nina Rajić Kranjac, Prešeren Theatre Kranj