In an article for The Stage, Kalina Stefanova profiles the Slovenian performing arts scene, as the tough political realities of the country find their place on stage. It's a country with a tradition of strong political theatre where theatre professionals are saying  “it’s important for artists to raise their voice. It’s our duty” and “theatre and artists are forming a real avant-garde”. Even sceptical audience members are saying that it is really making a difference.

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Slovenia basks in tranquillity as if far removed from the troubles and problems that presently beset Europe – unless you happen to catch a glimpse of the razor-wire fence on the border with Croatia that excludes refugees from the territory of this small EU nation of two million inhabitants.

“We’re in the middle of a tough political situation and we have to reflect it,” says Alja Predan, artistic director of the Maribor Theatre Festival.

“People are really disturbed by what is going on and how politicians react to it and also by the rise of the right wing,” adds Tamara Bracic Vidmar, publicist for Bunker, a non-profit organisation that produces and presents theatre and dance, and has organised the international Mladi Levi (Young Lions) Festival since 1998.

“We try to present performances that are relevant to society’s changes,” says Bracic Vidmar.

Learn more with

• 5 things you need to know about Slovenian theatre

• 5 major Slovenian theatres

Read the full article by Kalina Stefanova for The Stage: Politically charged scenes in Ljubljana’s changing land