Ljubljana Drama theatre set to open season at new temporary home

The premises at Litostrojska Street 56, redesigned by Vidic Grohar Architects and SNG's new home until the completion of the EUR 56 million downtown theatre overhaul, which is scheduled for the end of 2026, cover a total of 4,230 square meters, encompassing the main L56 building and parts of adjoining structures.

Two new theatres have been constructed at what had already been an events location: the big or main stage, which seats 361, and the small stage, which can accommodate 100. Both have their own entrances and lobbies, complete with cloakrooms and visitor facilities. For the audience, a theatre cafe has also been set up, featuring an outdoor rooftop terrace.

Addressing the press on Thursday, SNG Drama's director Vesna Jurca Tadel expressed relief at the end of the challenging relocation process.

She reflected on the long search for suitable temporary premises, during which they considered numerous venues that initially seemed promising, only to find each unsuitable for one reason or another.

The premises at Litostrojska Street provided an opportunity to bring the entire theatre - along with all its activities and departments - together under one roof, which, as Jurca Tadel highlighted, is invaluable.

Although the new main stage lacks some of the technical capabilities of the original venue, they will be able to adapt and accommodate older performances. Jurca Tadel also highlighted the addition of dedicated rehearsal spaces as a significant benefit.

Miran Boštic, representing the building owner and the investor behind the adaptation project, Alterna Intertrade, noted that the lease agreement was signed in October 2023. Renovation of the premises proceeded "at breakneck pace," he said, ultimately delivering the space in what he called an "almost impossible time frame."

The three-year contract was reported involving a monthly rent of about EUR 71,000. When the contract was signed, the costs of the adaptation were estimated at EUR 1.4 million, which SNG said would be fully covered by the owner.

Elaborating on the details of the design, architect Jure Grohar said that each of the spaces has a distinct character. The main stage is made of wood and features collapsible seating brought over from Drama's main building, while the gold-yellow textiles used in the new hall are also inspired by the original venue.

In contrast, the small stage is designed as a simple black box space. The main entrance to the big stage is conceived as a small covered plaza, with seating that creates a facade along Alme Sodnik Street. The entrance to the small stage is styled as a small green square, complete with stairs and a ramp.

Grohar's colleague Anja Vidic added that they had been revitalising the building at Litostrojska 56 for several years through various projects.

This time, they faced the challenge of accommodating Drama's extensive programme within a temporary project, while also considering environmental sustainability. Their architectural solution features two types of interventions in the existing structure: permanent infrastructure and temporary elements.

SNG Drama has also paid close attention to accessibility. Deputy Director Luka Nabergoj highlighted that visitors can reach the venue by bike, car, or city bus. Those arriving by car can park for free near the theatre and in designated spaces around neighbouring buildings.

To accommodate visitors, the schedules for bus lines 3 and 18 will be adjusted, and on evenings when performances are scheduled, a special Drama shuttle bus will run between the theatre and the city centre.

The first show scheduled at the new location is Georges Perec's The Raise, directed by Anđelka Nikolić and performed on the small stage on 4 October. On the main stage, the curtain will first be raised on 12 October for Maxim Gorky's Children of the Sun, directed by Paolo Magelli.