The most mysterious theatre in Slovenia in front of the general public for the first time in nine years

The most secretive theater in Slovenia, after nine years, made its first public appearance on Sunday, August 30. The one-time performance of Draigvala began at Brda near Kranj and concluded at Viba Studios. Though this theater has remained unknown to the general public until now, it marks the 20th production of the organization, indicating a long history of experience and numerous successful projects. The driving force behind all these efforts is Nana Šumrada Slavnić, a lawyer who previously worked domestically and internationally within large multinational corporations, including the most successful domestic company of all time, Outfit7. After the birth of her second daughter, she felt a lack of creativity that had been part of her life since childhood through dance, leading her to decide, based on visionary dreams, to start special gatherings with her circle of friends. It started as a dinner with a dance point, and over the years, the projects became more ambitious. This was also due to an increasing number of top-tier co-creators, resulting in greater artistic value. Nana thus founded JNana Theatre, which finally presents itself to a broader audience with its 20th performance. Until now, these performances were known only to women from Nana’s circle, who also always purchased available tickets. “When building something heartfelt, it's an investment that doesn't necessarily pay off. But it's worth investing in art. The responses to the plays have been exceptional,” explains Nana. Pia and Tina Skvarča are part of the creative team of JNana Theatre. Performers include: Choreographer: Anja Möderndorfer Performers: Tina Skvarča, Pia Skvarča, Maša Tiselj, Gaia Višnar, Gea Erjavec, Brigita Krašovec, Luka Bokšan, Srđan Milovanović, Roman Vučajnk, Ajda Kristina Vučajnk, Tanja Pečenko, and fighters of medieval skills. Special guest: Sara Briški Cirman Raiven. Maša Tiselj experiences both personal and artistic catharsis during the performances. These are not just plays, they are rituals “Through the process of creation, I feel like I am part of something bigger, something I can’t fully grasp or understand. Doubts arise about whether I will succeed in embodying my role so that Nana’s vision is fulfilled. I go through certain personal and professional frustrations, push through some limiting beliefs… At the end, everything comes together, largely due to Nana’s strength and persistence in her vision. The play comes alive, and I usually experience a kind of catharsis during it. When it ends, I’m changed, fulfilled, lighter. The audience might experience this in a condensed form and perhaps less intensely. This is what makes JNana Theatre’s performances so unique. These are not just plays, they are rituals that touch something deeply within you and transform you,” says Maša Tiselj. “It seems important that such productions emerge here too, as sometimes we settle for less ambitious artistic standards due to our limited space. That’s why we need projects that prove that even in Slovenia, bold and innovative artistic productions can take place. Nana combines different expressive media, acting, dance, music, and visual arts, with advanced technology usage, creating a holistic and modern theatrical experience,” says Pia Skvarča, who has collaborated with the theater twice. Magical Performance The performance Draigvala will offer a completely unique experience. In addition to taking place at two locations, nature and film studios, it will be exceptionally technologically sophisticated, featuring complex projections alongside the narrative unfolding in nature. The main heroines are sisters searching for their mission, power, soul. On their journey, they meet the priestess Norna, who wants to guide them forward, though one sister is not inclined to follow. The performance will be magical, much like the magical number 9, the ninth year of JNana Theatre.