THE PERFORMANCE THE PERFORMANCE IS DEDICATED IS DEDICATED TO WOMEN TO WOMEN WHOWHO UNITEUNITE AND INSPIRE AND INSPIRE FOR AFOR CHANGE A CHANGE AND CREATE AND CREATE HISTORY. HISTORY.
BasedBased on theon works the works of of Sophocles, Sophocles, Aeschylus, Aeschylus, Euripides, Euripides, and Hugo and Hugo von Hofmannsthal von Hofmannsthal
DIRECTOR DIRECTOR AND DRAMATURGE AND DRAMATURGE JAŠAJAŠA KOCELI KOCELI
PREMIERE PREMIERE AT THE AT MAIN THE MAIN STAGE STAGE OF OF NATIONAL NATIONAL KAUNAS KAUNAS DRAMA DRAMA THEATRE THEATRE th, SEPTEMBER 12 th , 12 13th 13 th SEPTEMBER 20202020
Fragments Fragments of theoffollowing the following worksworks are used are used in thein the performance: performance: Electra Electra by Sophocles by Sophocles (translated (translated from Ancient from Ancient GreekGreek by Antanas by Antanas Dambrauskas), Dambrauskas), Oresteia Oresteia by Aeschylus by Aeschylus (translated (translated from Ancient from Ancient GreekGreek by Jonas by Jonas Dumčius), Dumčius), Electra Electra and Orestes and Orestes by Euripides by Euripides (translated (translated from Ancient from Ancient GreekGreek by Audronė by Audronė Kudulytė-Kairienė), Kudulytė-Kairienė), Elektra Elektra by Hugo by Hugo von Hofmannsthal von Hofmannsthal (translated (translated from English from English by Rūta by Malaškevičienė). Rūta Malaškevičienė).
YOUYOU OUGHT OUGHT TO KNOW TO KNOW THAT THAT ONEONE DAYDAY OR ANOTHER OR ANOTHER EVERY EVERY MANMAN WHO WHO IS AIS BIT A CLEARHEADED BIT CLEARHEADED WILLWILL ENDEND UP UP LOVING LOVING ONLY ONLY ELECTRA. ELECTRA. Marguerite Marguerite Yourcenar, Yourcenar, Électre Électre ou la ou Chute la Chute des masques, des masques, 1954 1954
R O L RE O S LAENS DA A N CD T A O CR TS O R S ELECTRA ELECTRA – GRETA – GRETA ŠEPLIAKOVAITĖ ŠEPLIAKOVAITĖ CLYTEMNESTRA CLYTEMNESTRA – DAIVA – DAIVA RUDOKAITĖ RUDOKAITĖ LEDA LEDA – JŪRATĖ – JŪRATĖ ONAITYTĖ ONAITYTĖ ORESTES ORESTES – POVILAS – POVILAS JATKEVIČIUS JATKEVIČIUS AEGISTHUS AEGISTHUS – TOMAS – TOMAS ERBRĖDERIS ERBRĖDERIS PYLADES PYLADES – DEIVIDAS – DEIVIDAS BREIVĖ BREIVĖ AGAMEMNON AGAMEMNON – RIČARDAS – RIČARDAS VITKAITIS VITKAITIS W O MWEONM' SE NC ' HS OCRHUOS R U S ERYTHIA ERYTHIA – KAMILĖ – KAMILĖ LEBEDYTĖ LEBEDYTĖ HERMIONE HERMIONE – JURGITA – JURGITA MASKOLIŪNAITĖ MASKOLIŪNAITĖ KILISSA KILISSA – SAULĖ – SAULĖ SAKALAUSKAITĖ SAKALAUSKAITĖ CHRYSOTHEMIS CHRYSOTHEMIS – IEVA– STAŠELYTĖ IEVA STAŠELYTĖ ARIADNE ARIADNE – AISTĖ – AISTĖ ZABOTKAITĖ ZABOTKAITĖ IPHIANASSA IPHIANASSA – ROBERTA – ROBERTA SIRGEDAITĖ SIRGEDAITĖ LAODICE LAODICE (Electra (Electra the Child) the Child) – IEVA– KAROBLYTĖ IEVA KAROBLYTĖ / / RASARASA PRASPALIAUSKAITĖ PRASPALIAUSKAITĖ
DIRECTOR AND DRAMATURGE JAŠA JAŠA KOCELI DIRECTOR AND DRAMATURGE KOCELI SET DESIGNER DARJAN MIHAJLOVIĆ CERAR SET DESIGNER DARJAN MIHAJLOVIĆ CERAR COSTUME DESIGNER BRANKA PAVLIČ COSTUME DESIGNER BRANKA PAVLIČ CHOREOGRAPHER TAJDATAJDA PODOBNIK CHOREOGRAPHER PODOBNIK COMPOSER MIHA MIHA PETRIC COMPOSER PETRIC LIGHTING ARTIST DAVIDDAVID ANDREJ FRANCKY LIGHTING ARTIST ANDREJ FRANCKY VISUAL PROJECTION ARTIST MANKICA KRANJEC VISUAL PROJECTION ARTIST MANKICA KRANJEC PHOTOGRAPHER SVETLANA BATURA PHOTOGRAPHER SVETLANA BATURA EDITOR OF THE DAIVADAIVA ČEPAUSKAITĖ EDITOR OFPLAY THE TEXT PLAY TEXT ČEPAUSKAITĖ
E L E C T R A The daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra as well as Oreste’s sister. According to the Greek mythology, when Agamemnon returned from the Trojan War, he was killed by Aegisthus, lover of his wife Clytemnestra (or by Clytemnestra herself). Electra was absent from Mycenae. She hid her brother Orestes, who was still quite young at that time, and sent him from home. After many years had passed, Orestes was told by the Delphic oracle to come back to Mycenae and revenge his father’s death. Having returned, Orestes arranged with Electra that he would kill their mother in the name of revenge. Based on one of the versions, Electra herself instigated her brother to take this cruel step.
Clytemnestra Clytemnestra The wife The of wife Agamemnon, of Agamemnon, King of King Mycenae of Mycenae and Argos, and Argos, mother mother of of Electra, Electra, Iphigenia, Iphigenia, and Orestes and Orestes as well asas well theas daughter the daughter of Tyndareus of Tyndareus and Leda. and Leda. BasedBased on the onGreek the Greek mythology, mythology, Agamemnon, Agamemnon, leading leading the Greek the Greek army army to thetoTrojan the Trojan War, sacrificed War, sacrificed his daughter his daughter Iphigenia Iphigenia to theto goddess the goddess Artemis, Artemis, pleading pleading for favourable for favourable winds.winds. WhenWhen Agamemnon Agamemnon had sailed had sailed away,away, Clytemnestra Clytemnestra became became Aegisthus’ Aegisthus’ lover. lover. Taking Taking revenge revenge for her fordaughter’s her daughter’s sacrifice, sacrifice, Clytemnestra Clytemnestra murdered murdered Agamemnon Agamemnon whenwhen he had hereturned had returned from the fromwar. the She war. She had ruled had ruled Mycenae Mycenae together together with Aegisthus with Aegisthus until they until both they were both were killed killed by Orestes: by Orestes: the son theofson Clytemnestra of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon and Agamemnon who who had been had been raisedraised elsewhere elsewhere and, inand, thisinway, thisavenged way, avenged for hisfor father’s his father’s death.death.
L LE ED DAA The The wife wife of Tyndareus, of Tyndareus, King King of Sparta, of Sparta, and the and mother the mother of of Clytemnestra. Clytemnestra. BasedBased on Greek on Greek mythology, mythology, Zeus Zeus seduced seduced Leda Leda by turning by turning himself himself into ainto swan. a swan. Later,Later, Tyndareus Tyndareus also lay alsowith lay his with his wife. wife. According According to thetoclassical the classical version, version, Leda Leda laid two laid eggs two eggs and and twins twins hatched hatched of each of each of them. of them. From From one of one theofeggs, the eggs, PolluxPollux and and HelenHelen (children (children of Zeus) of Zeus) were were born, born, while while Castor Castor and Clytemnestra and Clytemnestra (children (children of Tyndareus) of Tyndareus) hatched hatched from the fromother. the other.
Orestes
The son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, brother of Electra. After his father’s murder, he was sent away from home and raised elsewhere. Later, having returned to Mycenae, he killed his own mother Clytemnestra, thereby revenging his father’s death. After committing this crime, he was pursued by the Furies (Erinyes), chthonic deities of vengeance. The trial of goddess Athena has acquitted Orestes and saved him from the persecution by showing that trial is an institution, managing to stop the violence and break the chain of vengeance. The trial of Athene abolished the custom of families – blood for blood – that had been in place until those days, solidified the rule of law instead of passion and the rule of justice instead of vengeance. In his trilogy Oresteia, Aeschylus proposed the idea that times of personal vengeance were over, that people, stuck in the cycle of grievances, anger, and vengeance, were not able to properly tackle their own problems, since they were in no place to be led by mercifulness and take the blame; thus, the establishment of trials is essential.
AAe eg gi si st th hu us s The son Theofson Thyestes of Thyestes and the andcousin the cousin of Agamemnon of Agamemnon in Greek in Greek mythology. mythology. The The families families of Aegisthus of Aegisthus and Agamemnon and Agamemnon were were intermingled intermingled in fights in fights filled filled with mutual with mutual hatredhatred and and vengeance, vengeance, never-ending never-ending cyclescycles of violence, of violence, killings killings and and treacheries. treacheries. For some For some time, time, Thyestes Thyestes was was the ruler the ruler of of Mycenae; Mycenae; however, however, after after his death, his death, Agamemnon Agamemnon banished banished Aegisthus Aegisthus who had whoinherited had inherited the throne the throne and became and became the king the king of Mycenae of Mycenae himself. himself. WhenWhen Agamemnon Agamemnon had left had forleft thefor Trojan the Trojan War, Aegisthus War, Aegisthus became became the lover the lover of hisofwife his Clytemnestra. wife Clytemnestra. After After ceremoniously ceremoniously celebrating celebrating the return the return of Agamemnon, of Agamemnon, they murdered they murdered him and himtook and over took the overland. the land. Aegisthus Aegisthus ruled ruled Mycenae Mycenae for seven for seven years;years; in theineight-year, the eight-year, Orestes, Orestes, the son the son of Agamemnon, of Agamemnon, camecame back back to histofatherland his fatherland and, together and, together with his with sister his sister Electra, Electra, killed killed both Aegisthus both Aegisthus and their and mother their mother Clytemnestra. Clytemnestra.
AAg gaamme emmn no on n The Trojan The Trojan War hero War of hero theofGreek the Greek army, army, king of king Mycenae, of Mycenae, husband husband of Clytemnestra, of Clytemnestra, and father and father of Orestes of Orestes and Electra. and Electra. Setting Setting out for out for the war, theAgamemnon’s war, Agamemnon’s army incurred army incurred the anger the anger of goddess of goddess Artemis. Artemis. She stopped She stopped all winds; all winds; hence, hence, the Greek the Greek fleet could fleet could not reach not reach Troy. Troy. Agamemnon Agamemnon sacrificed sacrificed his daughter his daughter Iphigenia Iphigenia to Artemis to Artemis for hisfor his ships ships to sailtoaway. sail away. After After winning winning the Trojan the Trojan War, Agamemnon War, Agamemnon had had returned returned to Mycenae to Mycenae wherewhere he was hemurdered was murdered by hisby wife hisand wifeher and her lover. lover. His son HisOrestes, son Orestes, avenging avenging for hisforfather’s his father’s death,death, killed killed his his own mother. own mother.
CC HH OO In theIntheatre the theatre of ancient of ancient Greece, Greece, the chorus the chorus was awas a significant significant character. character. Usually, Usually, 12–1512–15 choir choir members members sang sang in tragedies, in tragedies, while while 24 were 24 were common common in in comedies. comedies. The chorus The chorus sang,sang, dance, dance, commented commented on theonactions the actions of theofcharacters, the characters, and conveyed and conveyed the the opinion opinion of theofplaywright. the playwright. The Greek The Greek theatre theatre beganbegan in thein 6th the century 6th century BC and BCoriginated and originated from the from worship the worship ceremonies ceremonies of theofgod theDionysus god Dionysus – Dionysias – Dionysias – that– that were were the celebrations the celebrations of theofrevived the revived nature. nature. During During Dionysia, Dionysia, Greeks Greeks worshipped worshipped their god their by god hymns, by hymns, calledcalled dithyrambs. dithyrambs. One One person, person, coryphaeus, coryphaeus, told told
RR UU SS stories stories aboutabout the battles the battles and misfortunes and misfortunes of Dionysus of Dionysus or funny or funny incidents incidents that had thathappened had happened duringduring the life the life of theof god, thewhile god, while the chorus the chorus expressed expressed their distress their distress or happiness or happiness caused caused by thebyfailures the failures or successes or successes of of Dionysus Dionysus through through hymns. hymns. By portraying By portraying companions companions of theof god the–god satyrs – satyrs – members – members of theof choir the wore choir wore goat goat furs. In furs. Greek, In Greek, goat goat means means tragostragos from from whichwhich the the namename of tragedy of tragedy is derived: is derived: tragostragos ode means ode means “goat“goat song”.song”. Tragedies Tragedies were were used used for displaying for displaying serious serious adventures adventures of godofDionysus, god Dionysus, whereas whereas comedy comedy later later originated originated from the fromfunny the funny stories. stories.
Scene 1 BLOODY NIGHT Scene 2 PLAN OF JUSTICE Scene 3 THE PLEDGE Scene 4 PLEASE, CHANGE YOUR MIND Scene 5 PATIENCE RUNS OUT Scene 6 CIRCUS SCHOOL Scene 7 ENCOURAGEMENT Scene 8 THE CLASH Scene 9 FACING THE UNEXPECTED Scene 10 FROM DISASTER TO AGITATION
SCENE NAMES, CREATED DURING THE PROCESS
MOMENT OF REFLECTION Scene 11 CHILDHOOD MEMORIES Scene 12 RECOGNITION Scene 13 IT’S TIME TO ACT Scene 14 MATRICIDE Scene 15 WE ONLY HAVE EACH OTHER Scene 16 THE MERGE Scene 17 RETRIBUTION Scene 18 THE FINAL VERDICT Scene 19
YOUYOU MAYMAY NOTNOT SEEM SEEM A GREEK A GREEK TO YOURSELF, TO YOURSELF, YOUYOU MAYMAY NOTNOT SEEM SEEM A GREEK A GREEK TO ANOTHER, TO ANOTHER, BUTBUT ANYONE ANYONE WHO WHO STANDS STANDS ALONE, ALONE, SO TENACIOUSLY SO TENACIOUSLY DETERMINED DETERMINED IF FATE IF FATE OVER-RULE OVER-RULE A DESIRE A DESIRE TO LIVE, TO LIVE, AT LEAST AT LEAST TO DIE TO DIE FORFOR BEAUTY, BEAUTY, IS AND IS AND MUST MUST BE MY BE MY BROTHER. BROTHER. Hilda Hilda Doolittle Doolittle
> >
jasa jasakoceli koceli DIRECTOR DIRECTOR Having Having finished finished theatre theatre directing directing and sociology and sociology studies studies at theat University the University of Ljubljana, of Ljubljana, Jaša Jaša KoceliKoceli has has created created 16 performances 16 performances in hisinhomeland his homeland and abroad. and abroad. SomeSome of hisoflatest his latest worksworks are The are Magic The Magic Flute Flute by W.A. by W.A. Mozart Mozart in thein Slovenian the Slovenian National National Theatre Theatre OperaOpera and Ballet and Ballet Ljubljana, Ljubljana, 5boys5boys by Simona by Simona Semenič Semenič in Hungarian in Hungarian theatre theatre Weöres Weöres Sándor, Sándor, while,while, last year, last year, his performance his performance basedbased on the onplay the The playTrojan The Trojan Women Women by Euripides by Euripides opened opened the the International International Festival Festival of Ancient of Ancient GreekGreek Drama Drama in Cyprus. in Cyprus. Jaša Jaša KoceliKoceli has directed has directed performances performances in thein the Slovenian Slovenian National National Theatre Theatre Nova Nova Gorica, Gorica, the Slovenian the Slovenian National National Theatre Theatre OperaOpera and Ballet and Ballet Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Ljubljana Puppet Puppet Theatre, Theatre, the Anton the Anton Podbevšek Podbevšek Theatre Theatre in Novo in Novo Mesto, Mesto, etc. Inetc. his In performances, his performances, Jaša Koceli Jaša Koceli uses various uses various adaptations adaptations of texts, of texts, combines combines different different sources sources and and writeswrites somesome of theof texts the himself. texts himself. CloseClose attention attention is focused is focused on the onvisuals the visuals of theofperformance the performance and precision and precision lighting lighting since since the director the director has worked has worked as a lighting as a lighting designer designer in in balletballet performances. performances. He has He broadened has broadened his directing his directing knowledge knowledge by working by working as anasassistant an assistant director director of theof the following following acclaimed acclaimed directors: directors: DušanDušan Jovanović, Jovanović, JanezJanez Pipan,Pipan, Ivica Buljan, Ivica Buljan, and Tomaž and Tomaž Pandur. Pandur.
OneOne of the of works the works that that had had inspired inspired the director the director to to tackle tackle the ancient the ancient storystory of Electra of Electra was was the book the book Women Women & Power: & Power: A Manifesto A Manifesto by Mary by Mary Beard. Beard. “I want “I want to start to very start near very the nearbeginning the beginning of theoftradition the tradition of of Western Western literature, literature, and its and firstitsrecorded first recorded example example of a man of a telling man telling a a woman woman to ‘shut to ‘shut up’; telling up’; telling her that herher thatvoice her voice was not wastonot be to heard be heard in public. in public. I am thinking I am thinking of a moment of a moment immortalised immortalised at theatstart the of start of Homer’s Homer’s Odyssey, Odyssey, almost almost 3,0003,000 yearsyears ago. We ago.tend We now tend to now think to think of TheofOdyssey The Odyssey as theasepic the story epic story of Odysseus of Odysseus and the andadventures the adventures and scrapes and scrapes he had hereturning had returning homehome after the afterTrojan the Trojan War –War while – while for for decades decades his wife his Penelope wife Penelope loyallyloyally waited waited for him, for fending him, fending off the off the suitors suitors who were who were pressing pressing to marry to marry her. But her.The ButOdyssey The Odyssey is justisasjust as muchmuch the story the story of Telemachus, of Telemachus, the son theofson Odysseus of Odysseus and Penelope. and Penelope. It is the It isstory the story of hisofgrowing his growing up and up how and over how the overcourse the course of theof the poempoem he matures he matures from boy fromtoboy man. to man. That process That process startsstarts in theinfirst the first book book of theofpoem, the poem, whenwhen Penelope Penelope comes comes downdown from her fromprivate her private quarters quarters into the into great the great hall ofhall theof palace, the palace, to findtoafind bardaperforming bard performing to to throngs throngs of herofsuitors; her suitors; he is singing he is singing aboutabout the difficulties the difficulties the Greek the Greek heroes heroes are having are having in reaching in reaching home.home. She isn’t Sheamused, isn’t amused, and inand front in front of everyone of everyone she asks she him askstohim choose to choose another, another, happier happier number. number. At At whichwhich point point youngyoung Telemachus Telemachus intervenes: intervenes: “Mother “Mother […],” he […],” says, he says, “go back “go back up into upyour into quarters, your quarters, and take and up take your up own your work, own work, / the / the loom loom and the anddistaff the distaff […] speech […] speech will be will the bebusiness the business of men, of men, / all / all men, men, and ofand meof most me of most all; of forall; mine for mine is the is power the power in thisinhousehold.” this household.” And off And she offgoes, she goes, back back upstairs. upstairs. ThereThere is something is something faintlyfaintly ridiculous ridiculous aboutabout this wet-behindthis wet-behindthe-ears the-ears lad shutting lad shutting up theupsavvy, the savvy, middle-aged middle-aged Penelope. Penelope. But it But is it is a niceademonstration nice demonstration that right that where right where written written evidence evidence for Western for Western culture culture starts,starts, women’s women’s voicesvoices are not arebeing not being heardheard in theinpublic the public sphere. sphere. More More than that, thanas that, Homer as Homer has it,has an integral it, an integral part ofpart growing of growing up, asup, a man, as a man, is learning is learning to take to control take control of public of public utterance utterance and toand to silence silence the female the female of theofspecies.” the species.” From From the book the book Women Women & Power: & Power: A Manifesto A Manifesto by Mary by Mary BeardBeard
In his In story, his story, director director Jaša Koceli Jaša Koceli focuses focuses precisely precisely on such on asuch a silenced silenced woman woman – Electra. – Electra. „Usually „Usually we assess we assess the history the history as men’s as men’s history: history: the canon the canon of their of their decisions, decisions, wars,wars, books, books, works, works, and and choices. choices. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, I am interested I am interested in theinfacts the facts over which over which a a veil isveil thrown. is thrown. WhatWhat is theishistory the history of silenced of silenced women, women, concealed concealed in theincontext the context of all of history all history booksbooks and events? and events? What What is theisparallel the parallel story, story, locked locked up behind up behind the silent the silent lips oflips women? of women? In history, In history, women women remind remind me ofme shadows: of shadows: they are theynot areerased not erased but pushed but pushed to theto the sidelines. sidelines. Thoughts Thoughts start crossing start crossing my mind my mind that maybe that maybe the works, the works, creations, creations, and victories and victories of celebrated of celebrated men, men, have have been been suggested suggested by women, by women, o even o even created created by them… by them… That is That what is what intrigues intrigues me. me. The same The same is clear is clear in theinstory the story of Electra: of Electra: she suggests she suggests to murder to murder someone someone as she ascannot she cannot do it herself. do it herself. She did Shenot didbecome not become a killer, a killer, but it but haditbeen had been her idea. her idea. The change The change of power of power – it is –intriguing it is intriguing and and mysterious. mysterious. ThereThere is no is politics no politics or speculations, or speculations, only the onlydesire the desire to to revealreveal and try and to try see, towhat see, what has been has been silenced. silenced. For me, ForElectra me, Electra is notisonly not aonly character a character from ancient from ancient GreekGreek dramadrama but also but aalso symbol a symbol of a modern of a modern fighting fighting woman. woman. This story This story is about is about the wait thethat waitcan thattransform can transform a person. a person. The wait Theof wait Electra of Electra is is filled filled with unreleased with unreleased impulses impulses and unused and unused potential. potential. By breaking By breaking free, her free,energy her energy can turn can into turn violence into violence and unexpected and unexpected desires; desires; she can shebecome can become a great a great revenger revenger or an or unstoppable an unstoppable fighter. fighter. She isShe is power, power, unifying unifying people people for a change. for a change. I am attracted I am attracted by theby character the character of a strong of a strong woman woman because because I believe I believe that athat somewhat a somewhat parallel parallel history history of humanity of humanity existsexists that can thatbe canread be read from from the eyes the eyes of theof the women. women. It is asIt aisdialogue as a dialogue between between us, the us,living, the living, and the andshadows the shadows of ourofancestors”, our ancestors”, statesstates the director. the director.
TAJDA PODOBNIK CHOREOGRAPHER Tajda Podobnik started dancing in her early youth. Performing and competing in a dance group and collaborating with recognised international choreographers has encouraged her to study; in 2014, she finished The Academy of Dance Ljubljana under the mentorship of different Slovenian choreographers and educators. As a performer, choreographer or assistant choreographer, she has participated in numerous authorship projects, dance and theatre performances. Since 2015, she has been a part of Branko Potočan’s group Fourklor as well as collaborated in monthly performances of the circus cabaret Circus on the Moon/Circus per Month and many other dance productions. The same year, she also started collaborating as a performer and a choreographer with director Jaša Koceli with whom she has been working up to now. In 2016, she entered into Master’s Degree Program at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television in Ljubljana called The Art of Movement. She also has collaborated with different Slovenian and international choreographers and collectives. She has performed and worked in many different countries such as Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc. Currently, she is completing her studies at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television in Ljubljana.
/ /
DARJAN DARJAN MIHAILOVIC MIHAILOVIC CERAR CERAR SET DESIGNER SET DESIGNER
Darjan Darjan Mihajlović Mihajlović CerarCerar is a theatre is a theatre set designer set designer basedbased in in Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. Slovenia. SinceSince the beginning the beginning of hisof professional his professional careercareer in 2011, in he 2011, hasheworked has worked in most in of most theof Slovenian the Slovenian institutional institutional theatres theatres and also andinalso Croatia, in Croatia, Hungary, Hungary, and Lithuania. and Lithuania. Mihajlović Mihajlović is a constant is a constant collaborator collaborator of theatre of theatre director director Jaša Koceli Jaša Koceli and has andalso hasfrequently also frequently worked worked with directors with directors Barbara Barbara HiengHieng Samobor Samobor and Nejc and Gazvoda. Nejc Gazvoda. As a trained As a trained architect architect (The Faculty (The Faculty of architecture of architecture – University – University of of Ljubljana), Ljubljana), he is he deriving is deriving his work his work from from contemporary contemporary art, design art, design and, of and, course, of course, architecture. architecture. He focuses He focuses on clear on clear artisticartistic expression expression and simple and simple yet impactful yet impactful use of usescenic of scenic elements. elements. Epic Epic moves moves of different of different singular singular elements elements and self-illuminated and self-illuminated objects objects are are recognisable recognisable features features of hisof sethis designs. set designs. He has Hedesigned has designed sets for setsperformances for performances of different of different genres genres and and forms:forms: classical classical plays plays (The Trojan (The Trojan Women Women by Euripides, by Euripides, An Event An Event in in the Town the Town of Goga of Goga by Slavko by Slavko Grum), Grum), contemporary contemporary dramadrama (3 Winters (3 Winters by Tena by Štivičić, Tena Štivičić, Pomona Pomona by Alistair by Alistair McDowall), McDowall), film scripts, film scripts, adapted adapted for theatre for theatre (Breathless. (Breathless. Now based Now based on theon French the French New Wave New Wave classic classic À bout À bout de souffle de souffle by Jean-Luc by Jean-Luc Godard, Godard, Perfect Perfect Strangers, Strangers, basedbased on theonItalian the Italian moviemovie Perfetti Perfetti sconosciuti sconosciuti by Paolo by Paolo Genovese), Genovese), youthyouth dramadrama (Little(Little Queens Queens by Eva byMahkovic), Eva Mahkovic), musicals musicals (Orlando, (Orlando, basedbased on a Virginia on a Virginia Woolf’s Woolf’s novel,novel, by Drago by Drago Ivanuša), Ivanuša), operas operas (Magic (Magic Flute Flute by W.by A. W. Mozart, A. Mozart, Hop Princess Hop Princess by Radovan by Radovan Gobec), Gobec), contemporary contemporary balletballet (Heartmeat, (Heartmeat, choreographed choreographed by Rosana by Rosana HribarHribar and Gregor and Gregor Luštek), Luštek), and other and other works.works.
MIHA MIHAPETRIC PETRIC COMPOSER COMPOSER Miha Miha PetricPetric is a guitarist, is a guitarist, composer, composer, and music and music teacher teacher from from Ljubljana. Ljubljana. He has He composed has composed musicmusic for for more more than than forty forty films films and theatre and theatre plays.plays. In 2017, In 2017, he he received received a prestigious a prestigious awardaward at theatInternational the International Film Film MusicMusic Festival Festival FIMUCINEMA FIMUCINEMA for the forbest the music best music scorescore in in the documentary the documentary film offilm theofyear the 2017. year 2017. The musician The musician is the isleader the leader of theofjazz-fusion the jazz-fusion band band Moonlight Moonlight Sky. They Sky. They have have recorded recorded four albums. four albums. Their Their musicmusic has been has been played played on radio on radio stations stations in America, in America, Canada, Canada, Brazil,Brazil, and Europe. and Europe. Moreover, Moreover, Moonlight Moonlight Sky Sky was named was named as the as best the best progressive progressive band band in Brazil. in Brazil. Miha Miha PetricPetric also plays also plays classical classical musicmusic in theinguitar the guitar duet duet with Ravi with Shrestha, Ravi Shrestha, performs performs in aninethno an ethno groupgroup with with Macedonian Macedonian singersinger MartaMarta Kosturska Kosturska and collaborates and collaborates with the withextraordinary the extraordinary ŽeljkoŽeljko Zuber,Zuber, the bass the bass playerplayer of of Robben Robben Ford, Ford, Whitney Whitney Huston, Huston, and Jay andZ.Jay Moreover, Z. Moreover, he he is theisleader the leader of theofEuropean the European band band of African of African superstar superstar Wiyaala, Wiyaala, with whom with whom he is touring he is touring all over all Europe. over Europe. In hisIncareer, his career, Miha Miha PetricPetric performed performed at countless at countless concerts, concerts, festivals, festivals, and events and events in Slovenia, in Slovenia, Austria, Austria, Hungary, Hungary, Croatia, Croatia, Switzerland, Switzerland, Germany, Germany, the Netherlands, the Netherlands, Norway, Norway, Italy, etc. Italy, etc.
> >
BRANKA BRANKA PAVLIC PAVLIC COSTUME COSTUME DESIGNER DESIGNER Having Having finished finished Sociology Sociology studies, studies, Branka Branka PavličPavlič studied studied costume costume design design at theat Academy the Academy of Theatre, of Theatre, Radio,Radio, Film Film and and Television Television in Ljubljana. in Ljubljana. SinceSince then, then, she has shecollaborated has collaborated with many with many established established Slovenian Slovenian artistsartists and directors: and directors: Jaša Koceli, Jaša Koceli, Žiga Virc, Žiga Virc, Nejc Gazvoda, Nejc Gazvoda, Rosana Rosana Hribar,Hribar, Gregor Gregor Luštek, Luštek, Igor Pison, Igor Pison, etc. etc. In 2013, In 2013, she received she received the Borštnik the Borštnik AwardAward for Collective for Collective Production Production at theat Maribor the Maribor Theatre Theatre Festival, Festival, and the and highest the highest national national Artist Artist AwardAward of theofPrešeren the Prešeren Fund Fund for a for performance a performance costume costume design, design, created created in a collaboration in a collaboration with Ljubljana with Ljubljana art academies. art academies. Branka Branka has designed has designed costumes costumes in almost in almost all Slovenian all Slovenian professional professional theatres theatres (Slovenian (Slovenian National National Theatre Theatre Drama Drama Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Ljubljana Ljubljana City Theatre, City Theatre, Slovenian Slovenian National National Theatre Theatre Nova Nova Gorica, Gorica, Ljubljana Ljubljana Puppet Puppet Theatre, Theatre, Ptuj City Ptuj Theatre, City Theatre, Cankar Cankar Hall, Hall, Glej Glej Theatre, Theatre, etc.). She etc.).has Shedesigned has designed costumes costumes for ballet for ballet performances performances Heartmeat Heartmeat and The andMagic The Magic Flute Flute by W.by A. W. Mozart A. Mozart in theinSlovenian the Slovenian National National Theatre Theatre OperaOpera and Ballet and Ballet Ljubljana. Ljubljana. She has Shealso hasworked also worked abroad: abroad: TeatroTeatro Stabile Stabile di Trieste, di Trieste, and Weöres and Weöres Sándor Sándor Theatre Theatre in in Hungary. Hungary.
A BLUE SKY OUT OF THE ORESTEIA ARCHES ABOVE US. Sylvia Plath Collected Poems 1981
LIGHTING ARTIST
david andrej francky
When When creating creating the dramaturgy the dramaturgy of the of performance, the performance, director director JašaJaša Koceli Koceli usedused fragments fragments fromfrom ancient ancient Greek Greek works works – Electra – Electra by Sophocles, by Sophocles, Oresteia Oresteia by by Aeschylus, Aeschylus, Electra Electra and and Orestes Orestes by Euripides by Euripides – the – the poetry poetry of Sappho, of Sappho, and and extracts extracts fromfrom the play the play Elektra Elektra by Hugo by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. von Hofmannsthal.
Aeschylus Aeschylus (525-456 (525-456 BC) was BC) was an ancient an ancient GreekGreek playwright, playwright, often often described described as theasfather the father of tragedy of tragedy since since he had he formed had formed tragedy tragedy as a work as a work of drama of drama by removing by removing all lyrical all lyrical elements. elements. He was He one was one of theoffirst the and first most and most known known creators creators of Greek of Greek tragedy, tragedy, together together with Sophocles with Sophocles and Euripides. and Euripides. He added He added a second a second actor,actor, creating creating possibilities possibilities for conflicts for conflicts and dialogues and dialogues between between the actors. the actors. Later,Later, he worked he worked on dramas on dramas with three with three actors. actors. The playwright The playwright has written has written aboutabout 90 tragedies; 90 tragedies; however, however, only seven only seven of them of them have have survived: survived: The Persians, The Persians, SevenSeven against against Thebes, Thebes, The Suppliants, The Suppliants, trilogytrilogy Oresteia: Oresteia: Agamemnon, Agamemnon, The Libation The Libation Bearers, Bearers, The Eumenides The Eumenides (the (the only surviving only surviving original original trilogy), trilogy), and Prometheus and Prometheus Bound. Bound. In hisInyouth, his youth, Aeschylus Aeschylus had worked had worked in vineyards in vineyards until the until the god Dionysus god Dionysus visitedvisited him inhim his in sleep his sleep and commanded and commanded him tohim give to give all hisall attention his attention to thetonascent the nascent art of art tragedy. of tragedy. After After waking waking up from up from his dream, his dream, the young the young Aeschylus Aeschylus started started writing writing plays.plays. In 499 In BC, 499 BC, whenwhen he was heonly was 26 only years 26 years old, his old,first hisperformance first performance was shown. was shown. His career His career in theintheatre the theatre was stopped was stopped by thebywar. theThe war.army The army of theof the Persian Persian Empire Empire had already had already invaded invaded Ionia Ionia and stormed and stormed into the into the main main territory territory of theofcountry. the country. In 490 In BC, 490Aeschylus BC, Aeschylus foughtfought in all in all key battles key battles between between Greeks Greeks and Persians. and Persians. In 484InBC, 484Aeschylus BC, Aeschylus won the wonannual the annual playwright playwright competition competition at theatDionysia the Dionysia in Athens. in Athens. From From 480 BC 480 upBC to up 479toBC, 479he BC, once he once againagain foughtfought as a member as a member of of the Greek the Greek army army against against the Persians the Persians in theinBattle the Battle of Salamis of Salamis and and the Battle the Battle of Plataea. of Plataea. The victory The victory of Athenians of Athenians inspired inspired Aeschylus Aeschylus
to write to write the play the The playPersians. The Persians. It wasIt his wasfirst hisplay, first as play, well as as well theas the oldestoldest play surviving play surviving up toup ourtotimes, our times, that once that once againagain mademade him him triumphant triumphant at theatplaywright the playwright competition. competition. From From 473 BC, 473after BC, the after the deathdeath of Phrynichus, of Phrynichus, one ofone his of rivals, his rivals, Aeschylus Aeschylus became became the yearly the yearly favourite favourite in theinDionysia, the Dionysia, winning winning the first theprize first prize 13 times. 13 times. In 456InBC, 456the BC,playwright the playwright died in died Sicily. in Sicily. It is being It is being told that told that a giant a giant eagleeagle has confused has confused his bald his head bald head with awith rocka and rockdropped and dropped a turtle a turtle on it. on After it. After the death the death of theofplaywright, the playwright, his works his works were were so so respected respected that the that government the government allowed allowed the participants the participants of theof the competition competition at theat Dionysia the Dionysia to restage to restage his works, his works, instead instead of staging of staging their original their original creations. creations.
Sophocles Sophocles (5th century (5th century BC) was BC)the wasmost the loved most loved and respected and respected tragedian tragedian by theby Athenians, the Athenians, considered considered as oneasofone the of three the three main authors main authors of Greek of Greek tragedies tragedies together together with Aeschylus with Aeschylus and Euripides. and Euripides. Sophocles Sophocles was was exceptionally exceptionally liked by liked thebypublic: the public: in drama in drama competitions competitions at Dionysias, at Dionysias, his tragedies his tragedies were awarded were awarded the first theprize first 24 prize times. 24 times. Sophocles Sophocles started started his playwright his playwright careercareer by winning by winning against against Aeschylus. Aeschylus. At thatAttime, that Aeschylus time, Aeschylus was awas respectable a respectable playwright playwright with with 60 years 60 years of fame, of fame, while while Sophocles Sophocles was only wasaonly young a young poet of poet 27 of years 27 years old. Their old. Their battlebattle in Athens in Athens attracted attracted great great attention: attention: it seemed it seemed that that competition competition was not wasbetween not between the two theplaywrights two playwrights or their or works their works but but between between two artistic two artistic stylesstyles of tragedy. of tragedy. The judges The judges gave gave the victory the victory to Sophocles to Sophocles due todue histoyouth his youth and brought and brought innovations: innovations: addition addition of of the third the actor, third actor, colourful colourful scenery, scenery, rejection rejection of trilogies of trilogies connected connected by by the plot theofplot oneofmyth, one myth, etc. After etc. this Aftercompetition, this competition, Sophocles Sophocles wrotewrote and and staged staged tragedies tragedies and satyr and dramas satyr dramas for more for more than 60 than years. 60 years. Sophocles Sophocles introduced introduced innovations innovations to thetoGreek the Greek theatre theatre since since he increased he increased the the number number of members of members in theindancing the dancing and singing and singing choir choir from twelve from twelve to fifteen to fifteen people, people, shortened shortened their their lines, lines, expanded expanded dialogues, dialogues, and and addedadded the third the actor. third actor. Until his Untiltimes, his times, only two onlyactors, two actors, usually, usually, men, men, actedacted with open-mouthed with open-mouthed masks, masks, while while othersothers functioned functioned as extras; as extras; thus, thus, the mouths the mouths of their of masks their masks were were shut. shut. In addition, In addition, Sophocles Sophocles also decided also decided to change to change the scenery: the scenery: it became it became more more colourful colourful and and affluent. affluent. He eliminated He eliminated the principle the principle that trilogies that trilogies of tragedies of tragedies shouldshould be connected be connected only by only one bymyth. one myth. In thisInway, thisthe way, type theof type Greek of Greek tragedy tragedy was expanded, was expanded, whichwhich has not has changed not changed duringduring the later theyears. later years. Sophocles Sophocles has created has created aboutabout 120 tragedies, 120 tragedies, hymns, hymns, and and elegies. elegies. SevenSeven of hisof tragedies his tragedies have have survived survived up to up ourtotimes: our times: Ajax, Ajax, Antigone, Antigone, Women Women of Trachis, of Trachis, Philoctetes, Philoctetes, Electra, Electra, Oedipus Oedipus Rex, and Rex, and Oedipus Oedipus at Colonus. at Colonus. Parts of Parts theof satyr the drama satyr drama Ichneutae Ichneutae and fragments and fragments of many of many other other dramas dramas also survived. also survived. The richest The richest periodperiod of his of creative his creative work work coincided coincided with the withgolden the golden age ofage Athens of Athens – decades – decades of peace, of peace, prospering prospering democracy, democracy, and great and great creative creative initiatives. initiatives. Raminta Raminta Važgėlaitė, Važgėlaitė, Sophocles Sophocles
euripidEs euripidEs was the wasyoungest the youngest of theofnotable the notable tragedians tragedians (480-406 (480-406 BC); he BC); he lived alived secluded a secluded life and lifedid and not did atnot all participate at all participate in the in public the public affairsaffairs of of the country. the country. Euripides Euripides was neither was neither appreciated appreciated by hisby contemporaries his contemporaries nor liked nor by liked theby general the general publicpublic and only andlater onlygained later gained fame. fame. DuringDuring his his life, Euripides life, Euripides had won hadthe won first theprize first at prize theat competition the competition of tragedians of tragedians only four only times four times and achieved and achieved the fifth the prize fifth prize only after only after his death. his death. However, However, approximately approximately aboutabout one hundred one hundred years years later, later, Euripides Euripides became became one ofone the of well-liked the well-liked GreekGreek poetspoets and together and together with tragedians with tragedians of theofgolden the golden age –age Aeschylus – Aeschylus and Sophocles and Sophocles – remained – remained as one asofone of the most the prominent most prominent authors authors of literature of literature up to up ourtotimes. our times. It is believed It is believed that he that has hewritten has written more more than 70 than tragedies, 70 tragedies, from which from which only only 17 survived 17 survived until until our times: our times: Medea, Medea, Heracleidae, Heracleidae, Hecuba, Hecuba, Heracles, Heracles, The Suppliants, The Suppliants, The Trojan The Trojan Women, Women, Electra, Electra, Iphigenia Iphigenia in in Tauris,Tauris, Iphigenia Iphigenia in Aulis, in Aulis, Orestes, Orestes, Bacchae, Bacchae, etc. Many etc. Many fragments fragments of of his texts his also textssurvived also survived as well asas well oneasofone theof satires the satires Cyclops Cyclops – the – only the only example example of satyr of drama satyr drama in all ancient in all ancient literature. literature. In his In dramas, his dramas, Euripides Euripides used music used music in a novel in a novel way; he way; discovered he discovered that that the “musical the “musical tension” tension” affectsaffects the audience the audience similarly similarly as theas vehemence, the vehemence, showed showed on theon stage. the stage. Euripides’ Euripides’ dramas dramas are filled are with filledadventures with adventures and and plot tension; plot tension; generally, generally, they end theyunexpectedly end unexpectedly due todue theto intervention the intervention of one of of one theofgods, the gods, also known also known as theasdeus the deus ex machina ex machina principle principle (‘god from (‘god the from machine’; the machine’; when when a ‘god’, a ‘god’, lowered lowered by a special by a special theatrical theatrical devicedevice onto the ontostage, the stage, changes changes the whole the whole situation situation of theofdrama, the drama, stops stops the conflict the conflict but does but does not fully not solve fully solve it). In it). hisIndramas, his dramas, gods, gods, despite despite beingbeing calledcalled by their by traditional their traditional names, names, are more are more similarsimilar to to goddess goddess Tyche,Tyche, worshipped worshipped duringduring later times, later times, who was who an was either an either supportive supportive or stern or stern deity deity of coincidence. of coincidence. Euripides Euripides boldlyboldly changed changed and interpreted and interpreted traditional traditional myths,myths, similarly similarly as hisas contemporary his contemporary Plato Plato
created his philosophical own philosophical The revelation the inner created his own myths.myths. The revelation of theofinner feelings and innermost desires the characters can be viewed feelings and innermost desires of theofcharacters can be viewed as as the most significant innovation by Euripides: the inner the most significant innovation by Euripides: the inner worldworld of theof the person becomes important, the psychological nuances person becomes important, while while the psychological nuances are are emphasised. whytragedian this tragedian is called the philosopher emphasised. That isThat whyisthis is called the philosopher of theof the hecreated has created tragedies filledinnermost with innermost human desires stage:stage: he has tragedies filled with human desires and revealed that unruly passions only destruction and suffering and revealed that unruly passions bring bring only destruction and suffering asas well as destroy destinies of humans. The following as well destroy fragilefragile destinies of humans. The following issuesissues are in risen his dramas: the women’s freedom of choice, the value of are risen his in dramas: the women’s freedom of choice, the value of concepts, the significance the traditional of religion moralmoral concepts, the significance of theof traditional cult ofcult religion in the in the modernising society, the essence of gods, and human nature. modernising society, the essence of gods, and human nature. Raminta Važgėlaitė, Euripides Raminta Važgėlaitė, Euripides
hugo hugovon von hofmannsthalis hofmannsthalis (1874-1929) (1874-1929) was awas famous a famous Austrian Austrian poet, poet, novelist, novelist, librettist, librettist, playwright, playwright, and representative and representative of Viennese of Viennese Modernism Modernism of theof 19th the20th 19thcenturies. 20th centuries. In hisInyouth, his youth, he became he became famous famous for hisforsymbolist his symbolist poetry; poetry; later he later he dedicated dedicated his years his years to literature, to literature, especially, especially, dramaturgy. dramaturgy. He believed He believed that theatre, that theatre, poetry, poetry, and music and music can make can make the greatest the greatest impactimpact on on society. society. After the After First theWorld First World War, Hofmannsthal War, Hofmannsthal founded founded the Salzburg the Salzburg Festival. Festival. His works His works were inspired were inspired by Friedrich by Friedrich Nietzsche Nietzsche and Sigmund and Sigmund Freud;Freud; later –later by ancient – by ancient GreekGreek and Christianity and Christianity traditions traditions of theof Middle the Middle Ages.Ages. In 1903, In 1903, he wrote he wrote the libretto the libretto Elektra, Elektra, basedbased on theonSophocles’ the Sophocles’ tragedy, tragedy, and offered and offered it to composer it to composer Richard Richard Strauss. Strauss. This started This started their their long-time long-time collaboration collaboration duringduring whichwhich more more than one thanfamous one famous libretto libretto was created, was created, notable notable to thetohistory the history of opera of opera as proof as proof that music that music and and text can textbe can equally be equally important. important. In 1919, In Hugo 1919, Hugo von Hofmannsthal von Hofmannsthal was was nominated nominated for thefor Nobel the Nobel Prize in Prize Literature in Literature for thefor first thetime. first In time. his In later his later years,years, he hashebeen has been nominated nominated three three more more times times but has butnever has never won. won.
GENERAL GENERAL MANAGER MANAGER OF THE OF THEATRE THE THEATRE EGIDIJUS EGIDIJUS STANCIKAS STANCIKAS ART DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR EDGARAS EDGARAS KLIVISKLIVIS STAGE STAGE MANAGERS MANAGERS RAIMONDA RAIMONDA ŠUKYTĖ, ŠUKYTĖ, ASTAASTA MAČIULYTĖ MAČIULYTĖ THE PLAYBILL THE PLAYBILL COMPILED COMPILED BY BY DAIVADAIVA ČEPAUSKAITĖ, ČEPAUSKAITĖ, KAMILĖ KAMILĖ ASADAUSKAITĖ ASADAUSKAITĖ
THEATRE THEATRE FOUNDER FOUNDER
INFORMATIVE INFORMATIVE SUPPORTERS SUPPORTERS
IT WAS MY LOVE THAT DID US BOTH TO DEATH. THE BLOOD FLOOD IS THE FLOOD OF LOVE. Sylvia Plath Collected Poems 1981