The text version of The Škofja Loka Passion Play in the performance was developed by the creative team during the rehearsal process.

The Škofja Loka Passion Play or Processio locopolitana is the oldest preserved dramatic work in standard Slovenian from the beginning of the 18th century with the spoken peculiarities of the local environment. The text in 863 rhymed verses was written in 1721 by Father Romuald – born Lovrenc Marušič in Štandrež near Gorica – who conceived the mystery of human salvation in a series of 13 tableaux. The story, with a distinctly the(le)ological straightforwardness, begins with the Old Testament expulsion of the first couple from paradise as a consequence of man’s first transgression against God – the original sin. After man’s fall into sin, which the Judeo-Christian tradition perceives as the work of an evil spirit, the world is ruled by Death, which no one can escape. So, everyone follows it in this dance macabre – starting with the pope, cardinals, kings – to citizens, farmers, all the way to the last beggar. But through the shocking parable of eternal doom in hell, which serves as a warning to all sinful souls, the hope of salvation still smoulders in anticipation of the Messiah. Thus, the third part of the passion play is followed by the scenes of King David, the Ark of the Covenant and the tomb of God. The death of Jesus Christ and his resurrection represent victory over evil, and in turn, Jesus was carried around the city in a solemn procession as a great conqueror. Until his resurrection, humanity is still shrouded in grief, as indicated by the mournful music. Yet grief is only a transitional period that will also bring physical victory over death – which is why the story of The Škofja Loka Passion Play is, in essence, bright, redeeming and full of hope. Its true story, therefore, begins only after the end of the play – in the world here and now.

Jernej Lorenci (1973) is a theatre director and senior lecturer at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television in Ljubljana. For his directions he received numerous awards: Grand Prix for Best Performance and Best Direction Award at the Borštnikovo srečanje Festival, Šeligo Award for Best Performance at the Week of Slovenian Drama, Politika Award for Best Direction at BITEF 2013, Best Direction Award at the International Theatre Festival Zlatni lav, Best Performance Award as chosen by the Slovene section of AICT/IATC. He has worked in all Slovenian theatre institutions, at ZKM, in HNK Zagreb and other theatres abroad. He is among the recipients of the 2017 Premio Europa Award. 

"A superb production, Lorenci at his best. The group of actors dedicating themselves to the cause without reservations, and with a truly in-depth focus, in short: theatre in its zenith." – Janez Pipan, Dnevnik

Awards:
51st Week of Slovenian Drama (2021)
- The Šeligo Award for the Best Production in the Competition Programme 
- The Week of Slovenian Drama Best Actress Award (Doroteja Nadrah for her role)
- The Week of Slovenian Drama Best Actor Award (Blaž Setnikar for his role)
- The Audience Award for the Best Performance
Viminacium fest - Myths Old and New, Serbia (2021)
- Viminacium Maximus Award for the Best Production in the Competition Programme
57th Maribor Theatre Festival (2022)
- Borštnik Grand Prix for Best Production
- Borštnik Award for Music (Composer Branko Rožman)

Cast: 
Doroteja Nadrah guest actor, Darja Reichman, Miha Rodman, Blaž Setnikar, Miranda Trnjanin guest actor, Gregor Zorc guest actor

Dramaturgy: Matic Starina
Choreographer and assistant director: Gregor Luštek
Set designer: Branko Hojnik
Costume designer: Belinda Radulović
Composer: Branko Rožman
Language consultant: Maja Cerar
Lighting designer: Borut Bučinel
Make-up designer: Matej Pajntar

*Ticket price: 750 RSD (reduced price: 500 RSD)*

Photos: Nada Žgank

Duration: 01:35

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