African animal paradise
Music: Anton J. KropivšekLyrics: Tomaž Vrabič
Co-production: Glasbena matica Ljubljana, Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana and Cankarjev dom LjubljanaPremière: Cankarjev dom Ljubljana, January 31, 2020
Director: Eva Hribernik
Assistant director: Jasmina Ferenček
Choirmaster: Tatjana Dolenc Marinšek
Assistant choirmasters: Neža Križnar and Tina Poljanšek
Vocal coach: Tanja Rupnik
Choreography: Jana Kovač Valdés
Movement consultant: Simona Kočar
Set designer: Jaro Ješe
Costume designer: Anjana Pavlič
Lighting designers: Samir Botonjić and Rok Rejc
Sound designer: Jasmina Bernjak
Producers: Veronika Brvar and Barbara Rogelj
Photographers: Janez Kotar and Matej Povše
From the directing concept:
“What makes this colourful show special is that young actors and dancers, a children's choir and a professional actress share the stage. In addition, the play combines various artistic areas of musical theatre, such as music, drama, dance and visual art. Coming together and forging connections is the starting point of this playful project in which the show's creators and performers present unusual African animals to a young audience in a mischievous and humorous way. If we manage to also awaken the inner child of the grown-ups and companions in the audience for at least a moment, then the production has served its purpose.”
From the review:
“When we entered the Štih Hall of Cankarjev dom, where the première of the play took place on 31 January this year, we had the feeling that we had really stepped into paradise. The roundness of the hall itself exudes a special energy, and the prepared desert scene with all its greenery, the pattern of which was reflected on the backgrounds with lights, created a truly magical effect. Alja Kapun was not only part of the show as an actress but was according to director Eva Hribernik also very important for all the young actors, as the contact with a professional actress had a very positive effect on them and they found it easier to become an active part of the play as a result. But it is not only those we see on stage and mention in this review who are responsible for this wonderful performance. There are a multitude of factors and people in the background that are hidden from view. When we are truly aware of them, we appreciate such good works all the more. This was also emphasised by director Eva Hribernik, who said, "Theatre is the product of joint collaboration, trust and groupwork.” (Klara Gruden, SIGIC, 17 November 2020)






