The Mystery Theatre for the Chosen finally opens its doors: Raiven will be performing

After nearly nine years of exclusive performances for a select audience, JNana Theatre finally opens its doors to the wider public with its 20th production, Dragivala, scheduled for August 30, 2026. The event marks a dual transition for the theatre: from nature to a film studio and from private circles to broader audiences. The performance will take place initially on the hill near Kranj and later move to the Viba Film studios in Ljubljana, reflecting the narrative's shift from the natural world into the realms of cinema and projection. The theatre has prepared 19 productions over its nine-year history, but these have primarily been attended by visitors within the circle of its founder, Nana Šumrada Slavnić. Until now, the shows were designed as one-time events, often held in nature, followed by little more than memories for attendees. Tickets were typically purchased by women from Slavnić’s extended network. With this new production, however, the theatre aims to break from its previous exclusivity and introduce its immersive storytelling to a larger audience. Dragivala centers around the theme of self-discovery, voice, and power. At its core are two sisters searching for their purpose and connection with their inner selves, encountering a priestess named Norna along their journey. This narrative structure reflects the theatre's ongoing exploration of mythological themes, which have previously included stories of figures such as Ledo, Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Mary Magdalene, and Slavic and Celtic myths. JNana Theatre defines itself as an independent, private, immersive theatre company that sets stories, myths, and epics against backdrops of waterfalls, lakes, forests, meadows, or technologically created illusions of space. Its productions have ranged from historical narratives to mythological tales, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and atmosphere. Behind the theatre stands Nana Šumrada Slavnić, a lawyer who worked internationally and in multinational companies, including Slovenia's Outfit7. Initially, her creative endeavors were a personal refuge separate from her professional life. After the birth of her second daughter, she felt a lack of artistic expression, which had been a central part of her life since childhood, particularly through dance. She began organizing special gatherings for friends, starting with a dinner with a dance performance. These early events evolved into increasingly complex productions, involving professional actors, dancers, musicians, and other artists. From a private gathering, the theatre gradually developed its own unique method of creation, blending performative arts, visual aesthetics, mythological motifs, and chosen locations. Šumrada Slavnić emphasizes that creating something heartfelt is an investment that may not always yield returns. However, she believes it is still worthwhile to invest in art because it adds value and benefits everyone. The decision to open the theatre to the public was influenced by collaborating artists who believed the productions were sufficiently refined to surpass their initial private audience. Actress and dancer Maša Tiselj describes her collaboration with JNana Theatre as a “rite of passage.” According to her, the creative process begins with a grand, almost mystical idea that inspires enthusiasm, doubt, and personal experiences among collaborators. These elements eventually coalesce into a performance. “These are not just plays, but rituals that touch something deep within a person and change them,” she says. Previously, JNana Theatre's productions were structured as one-time events, usually set in specific locations, often in nature. Following these events, there was little left beyond the memories of participants. Now, with Dragivala, the theatre seeks to expand its reach while maintaining the depth and intensity of its immersive experiences. The production will begin on the hill near Kranj before transitioning to the Viba Film studios in Ljubljana, symbolizing both a physical and thematic movement from the natural world into the cinematic realm.