The Tenth Brother
Music: Aleš Makovac Libretto: Mirko Mahnič, Aleš Makovac (adapted from the novel The Tenth Brother by Josip Jurčič)
Première: 22 November 2017, Janez Trdina Cultural Centre Novo mesto
Director: Eva Hribernik
Conductor: Aleš Makovac
Choirmaster: Andrej Resnik
Choreographer: Salvatore Loritto
Assistant choreographer: Branka Moškon
Set and costume designer: Jaro Ješe
Lighting designer: Matej Burger
Producer: Bojan Bencik
Photographer: Darja Štravs Tisu
From the directing concept:
“The world on which the audience looks is divided into two. On one side, we have a cold world inhabited by representatives of the highest class of society, who believe in the power of money and power. The other half of the world is characterised by the representatives of the lower social strata, who believe in the power of freedom and love. This is a warm world. Constant contact and connection with nature helps people recognise themselves as an integral part of nature and all that is. They draw strength from nature for work and the joy of life. They are the bringers of a new world. The wall that spatially separates the two worlds is actually a bridge that can unite.”
From the review:
“On the Novo mesto scene, a unique creativity in music and theatre is evidently emerging, tailored to the local stage and audience, and aiming to bring this genre of art closer with the help of quality vocal melodies in the style of Italian operas (Puccini). It brings Slovenian literary themes to the fore, which are marked by the homely feel of folk music. Judging by the loud applause, the work was well received.” (Maia Juvanc, SIGIC, 28 November 2017)