The wildly entertaining Battle of Personalities Impro League season will culminate in the Grand Final ’26 at Cankarjev dom, where the season’s best improvisers will face off in theatre sports!

The audience will be thrilled by the world-renowned Theatresports format, created by the father of theatrical improvisation, Keith Johnstone. In this madcap combination of sport and theatre, two teams of experienced improvisers compete in exciting stage challenges, taking cues from the audience as they create their scenes. The contest is judged by expert referees, who evaluate the performances and award penalties. The audience is encouraged to loudly criticize the judges, in true sporting style, and may even give scores instead of them. This show is so hilariously athletic it will work your abs!

Throughout the Battle of Personalities season, we have already established that Martin Strel is a bigger celebrity than Chuck Norris, and that Baba Yaga beats Lady Gaga. At the Grand Final ’26, we will find out who the biggest celebrities of the entire season really are, as the competition is followed by an awards ceremony.

In Slovenian, without translation.

V okviru programa Fabula Hub, ki ga Festival Fabula posveča mladim in perspektivnim literarnim glasovom, bo ljubljanski oder gostil češkega pesnika, pisatelja in publicista Marka Torčíka. Avtor bo predstavil svoj romaneskni prvenec Razpad na spomine, večkrat nagrajeno literarno delo, ki je leta 2024 prejelo nagrado Magnesia Litera in nagrado Jiříja Ortena, roman pa je bil izbran tudi za deseto nagrado Susanne Roth za mlade prevajalce češke književnosti.

V središču večera bo roman, ki v fragmentarni, nelinearni obliki razpira boleče plasti spomina. Protagonist, kvir fant drobne postave, ki odrašča v majhnem industrijskem mestu, se sooča z nasiljem v šoli in težkimi družinskimi razmerami: mati, revna tovarniška delavka, je ujeta v skrb za umirajočega očeta, zaznamovanega z alkoholizmom, in ne zmore sprejeti sinove spolne identitete. Eno redkih svetlih točk v sivi vsakdanjosti predstavlja prijateljstvo z romskim sošolcem Marianom.

Roman Razpad na spomine prepričljivo, domiselno in natančno opisuje življenje ljudi na robu družbe in prevprašuje, ali je boleče spomine na preteklost sploh mogoče pustiti za seboj. Pripoved se začne neke noči ob 3.37, ko glavnega junaka prebudi telefonski klic, nato pa se skozi odseve spominov razpira v zgodbo odraščanja, ki odstira osebni pa tudi kolektivni spomin družine. Torčíkovo pisavo primerjajo z deli Oceana Vuonga in Édouarda Louisa.

Večer bo posvečen pogovoru o spominu, razredni izključenosti, spolni identiteti in pisanju kot načinu soočanja z izkušnjami, ki jih je težko ubesediti. Brali bomo izbrane odlomke romana in razmišljali o tem, kako literatura odpira prostor za pogosto preslišane glasove.

Pogovor bo moderiral Pino Pograjc, bralno interpretacijo izbranih odlomkov bo pripravil Nejc Cijan Garlatti. Dogodek bo potekal v angleškem jeziku z vzporednim tolmačenjem v slovenščino.

Marek Torčík bo gost v fokusu programa Fabula Hub, ki mladim avtorjem omogoča serijo literarnih dogodkov, profesionalno mreženje in ustvarjalno rezidenco v Sloveniji. Ob festivalu bo deset dni bival v rezidenci Kulturne soseske v Celju, kjer bo sodeloval z lokalno literarno skupnostjo in delal pri novem literarnem projektu.

Improv comedy, stand-up, and freestyle rap – combined in a single show. Popolni kaos (Total Chaos) lives up to its name.

Stand-up comedian Tin Vodopivec teams up with musician and freestyle rapper Urh Mlakar (UM) to deliver a wildly original, high-energy comedy show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Expect sharp humour, spontaneous improvisation, live music, audience interaction, and moments that make people laugh, sing – and occasionally fall in love.

Popolni kaos (Total Chaos) is Tin’s brand-new, mostly improvised show, offering an honest and hilariously offbeat glimpse into his life, relationships, and singledom. No two performances are alike – even the artists have no idea how the show will develop.

Fast, unpredictable, and lough-out-loud funny – it’s simply chaotic comedy at its best.

In Slovenian, without translation.

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

Running time: The performance lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Warning:
This production includes strobe lighting and occasional bright flashes of light that, together with other visual stimulation effects, may induce a feeling of claustrophobia in visitors.

Stampedo delves into the importance of safety; what it specifically means today for both individuals and society. In examining human stampedes, the project identifies the right to safety as a fundamental human right and, in doing so, underscores the role of the state and the competent authorities in ensuring it. Thus focusing on the economic factor as the main cause of human stampedes, the project primarily raises a series of questions ranging from the negligent dimensions of capitalism, which jeopardizes human lives for profit, class stratification and the issue of economic power that prevails over justice and law, to the question of responsibility towards oneself and others and the search for justice, which may never be served. The economic context (free admission, special offers, cheaper tickets, etc.) is taken as a basis for addressing the meaning of "hype," mass panic, collective organization, human value, and the basic human right to safety. It provides insight into present-day modes of living – the never-ending rat race and hyper-production – and how to break free from this exhausting routine, how to ease off and unwind. Production-wise, the project combines documentary materials and interactive processes, tapping into the principles of intermedia to explore and juggle with the dimensions of a theatrical event.

Acknowledgement: INPLET d.o.o. (donor), Peace Institute (supporter), Urban d.o.o. (donor), JSKD (podpornik), Zala Jelenc, Miha Turk, Nejc Jezernik, Eneja Štemberger in Mitja Kralj.

Milo Rau(1977, Bern) is director, writer, filmmaker and the artistic director of Wiener Festwochen, the well-known arts festival in the Austrian capital. Critics call him the "most influential" (Die Zeit), "most awarded" (Le Soir), "most interesting" (De Standaard), "most controversial" (La Repubblica), "most scandalous" (New York Times) or "most ambitious" (The Guardian) artist of our time. Since 2002 he has published over 50 plays, films, books and actions. Rau has received many awards, including the 3sat Prize 2017 and, as the youngest artist after Frank Castorf and Pina Bausch, the renowned ITI Prize of the World Theatre Day in 2016. In 2017, Milo Rau was voted "Acting Director of the Year" in a survey conducted by Deutsche Bühne. In 2018 he received the European Theatre Prize for his life's work. From 2018 to 2023, Milo Rau was artistic director of Ghent city theatre NTGent. Rau's radical and activist art gave NTGent a new impetus. Under his direction, the city theatre built a stellar reputation in the international art world. At NTGent, Rau created a series of lauded performances including La Reprise, Lam Gods, Orestes in Mosul, The New Gospel, Antigone in the Amazon and Medea's Children.

Resistance now stands up for artistic freedom: the global campaign, initiated by Milo Rau and the Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) in 2024, links events and performances about art and politics with the struggle for democracy in different countries. The campaign connected 200 leading cultural organizations and reached 100 million people with the call for a new law at EU level Resistance now: Free culture.

In its second year, the Resistance now Tour is also searching for a “religion for the 21st century,” beyond capitalism, exploitation, and orthodox, traditional religions. As Rau says in his New York speech “The Rebirth of Tragedy”: “A return from our imperial and metaphysical dreams, the beginning of the rebirth of society and art from the idea of life and its tragic vulnerability.”

At the tour stop in Ljubljana, Milo Rau, director and artistic director of the Vienna Festival, discusses the necessity of this fundamental social change with Slovenian philosopher, psychoanalyst, and cultural theorist Mladen Dolar.

When a mysterious ghost appears after the death of the King of Denmark, Prince Hamlet feels a sense of duty and a strong urge to avenge his father. Torn between his duty to avenge his father's death and his own conscience, which tells him that revenge is wrong, Hamlet makes a series of fatal decisions that culminate in a final, terrible reckoning at Elsinore.

In the live, intimate format of a radio play, Shakespeare's universally-known tragedy transports the listeners into a dark universe of revenge, madness and family tragedy. The abridged radio adaptation stays loyal to the Hamlet-esque spirit of the original play, while investing, through the specifics of the medium, many of the events and characters with new sonic and semantic dimensions.

The live radio play places Hamlet in a contemporary context and invites a reflection: Is to be, or not to be, the question when a voice is all we have?
 

In Slovenian, without translation

MEN-TAL is a charity conference where personal stories intertwine with professional insights into mental health. All speakers participate on a voluntary basis, united by a shared belief in the importance of open dialogue about mental health in the business environment. All participant contributions will be fully donated to organizations that actively support mental health and care for those who need it most.

Illness, loss, and grief are not only personal experiences - they are moments that test the culture of an organization. It is the responsibility of leaders, HR professionals, and the broader business environment to create, in such moments, a space of support, understanding, and dignity.

Conference Programme

08:30 – 09:00 | Arrival & Registration

09:00 – 09:15 | Opening Remarks
Saša Einsiedler, Marko Podgornik Verdev

09:15 – 10:30 | Panel: Illness and Work
Ivica Flis Smaka, Dollores Rožan, Barbara Zupančič, Mojca Duhovnik

10:30 – 10:50 | Dr. Željko Čurič
The Power of Unconditional Love

10:50 – 11:05 | Coffee Break

11:05 – 11:25 | Mark Bračič
When Loss Enters the Workplace

11:25 – 12:45 | Panel: Loss and the Work Environment
Jaka Kladnik, Tanja Mejak Bordon, Andrej Klančar, Katarina Katja Mihelič

12:45 – 13:30 | Lunch & Networking

13:30 – 13:50 | Ana Kordeš
When the World Stops

13:50 – 14:00 | Silvester Kmetič
What Truly Matters

14:00 – 15:00 | Panel: Grief and Moving Forward
Mirjana Mladič, Jon Kanjir, Ana Kamenik, Julija Pelc

15:00 | Closing Remarks
Saša Einsiedler

The conference will be conducted in Slovenian.

Line-up: Sara Fontán (violin, electronics) / Edu Pou (drums, percussion, electronics)

Los Sara Fontán are one of those undiscovered gems that make the whole process of seeking out new music worthwhile. That’s exactly how we felt when we heard the very first notes of their debut album Queda Pendiente, which turned out to be the perfect introduction to the musical ideas and adventurous spirit of Sara Fontán and Edu Pou.

We’re already familiar with Edu from the cult duo ZA!, but this collaboration with Sara opens up new worlds. And what a rousing story this classically trained violinist and DIY experimentalist are writing together. After five years of intensive live touring across Europe by train, car and plane, and after making sure that it would be possible to travel without an album, single or video in tow and without following the routines forced on them by the music business, they decided to put an end to their ‘live only’ principle and release a record. There were a few reasons for this: to explore new ways of doing things, to banish complacency, and to (finally) listen to all those people who’d been saying they wanted to take the experience away with them and relive it at home. Another key motivation was that they had built a home studio, which allowed them to spend three weeks in January working entirely on their own, leave a record of themselves as they are now and carve out spaces for new creation.

Los Sara Fontán will be opening this 41st edition of Druga Godba, and you can be sure that even the tiniest dose of the magic that adorns their debut will be enough to inspire you right up to the final note of the festival.

Running time: 120 min
In Slovenian, without translation.

The ŠILA School Improv Theatre League is a student-run improv theatre programme kicking off its 29th season this spring.

ŠILA’s Grand Final will determine the winner of the 2025/26 ŠILA season, whose team will keep the coveted ŠILA trophy for one year. One of the teams gained a slight lead over the other contestants in the first final — will the Grand Final bring a major surprise?
The two ŠILA teams that have scored the most points this season and made it to the final will face each other in a series of on-stage challenges. ŠILA competitions consist of short improv disciplines performed in three-minute scenes. The audience also plays a key role in the show, influencing its course by providing scene prompts and scoring the performances to decide the final result. This unforgettable display of unscripted theatrical scenes full of humour and imagination is not to be missed!

After the show, awards will be presented for the best achievements in improv theatre throughout the season.

A nationwide improvisational theatre programme for high school students, ŠILA has been promoting cultural recreation for young people since 1997.