Slovenian National Theatre Drama Ljubljana

The Slovenian National Theatre Drama Ljubljana (in Slovenian, SNG Drama Ljubljana a.k.a. the Drama) is the oldest state-funded theatre house in the country and a public institution of exceptional national importance. Its early beginnings date back to 1867 when the Dramatic Society was founded in Ljubljana, thus in 2027 the Drama will celebrate its 160th jubilee. Not only is the SNT Drama Ljubljana the principal Slovenian repertory drama theatre house with a 44-member resident ensemble, but it is also one of the most influential and prominent cultural institutions in the greater SEE region and a part of the European Route of Historic Theatres, supported by the European Union. The Drama, which in the last two decades presented its productions in more than fifty countries around the world, joined the Union of European Theatres (UTE) in 2023.  The Drama is oriented in exploring theatre art in the deepest sense of the word and transcending the national and international levels of excellence. The outstanding potential of the SNT Drama Ljubljana is consistently reflected by its repertoire and numerous awards won in Slovenia and internationally, by a line-up of prominent and up-and-coming theatre directors and their creative collaborators, and most importantly, by stage presentations of the Drama’s outstanding resident ensemble. Located in its historic theatre building (built in 1911), the Drama’s central venue is the Main Stage, primarily intended for the staging of classical and contemporary Slovenian and international plays. The Main Stage has a capacity of 425 seats in total – the stalls, the circle, boxes and the balcony. The Small Stage, in Slovenian known as Mala Drama, has been a venue for staging chamber plays, Slovenian and international alike, especially contemporary ones, for more than fifty years. The auditorium of the Small Stage has a capacity of 100 seats. Comprehensive renovation of the SNT Drama Ljubljana is due to start in 2024 and the opening of the renovated theatre house is expected to take place in September 2026. In the meantime, the Drama will continue its artistic vocation and operate at a temporary venue in Ljubljana.

Photo credit: Peter Uhan/SNG Drama Ljubljana