Wives in Dough

Based on Slovenian folk songs
Première 4. november 2022, Mala Drama
The first Slovenian performance

Running time 1 hour 40 minutes. No intermission. 

Director Živa Bizovičar
Dramaturgs Iva Štefanija Slosar, Nik Žnidaršič
Set designer Maruša Mali
Costume designer Nina Čehovin
Sound designer Gašper Lovrec
Vocal coaches Melani Popit, Matej Kastelic
Video designer Janez Škrlec
Language consultant Jože Faganel
Lighting designer Bor Ravbar

Cast
The Spring-She Nataša Keser as guest
The Summer-She Ivana Percan Kodarin as guest
The Autumn-She Barbara Žefran 
The Winter-She Zvezdana Mlakar

A nation’s folk songs, ballads and customs reveal how our ancestors lived, what kind of stories they sang to each other while working, what was taboo, what was important to them, what made them laugh, and what made them sad. What about our female ancestors? How was life for women in a traditional society? In Wives in Dough, we learn about the women of the past through four seasons, each of which is presented by one actress. The cyclical time of nature governed traditional society and people. Everything and everyone is born, develops and finally dies. But not conclusively; it simply makes room for new birth, life and growth. In spring, a little girl, still moist from the morning dew, is amazed to discover the world around her and its principles. In summer, under the scorching sun, when it is difficult to find shade and to take refuge in its coolness, a young girl faces the burst of love, the first pangs and pressures of society. And then the grapes grow ripe on the vine like a child grows inside a mother. Autumn is a time of joy; during the dressing of the flaxen season, women were finally allowed to be what they were previously denied – loud, voracious, cheerful, mischievous. Unfortunately, this only lasted for a day or two, after which women were returned to their only role in traditional society – that of a mother. This role was often marked by pain and difficult choices. As we move from the outdoor meadows, pastures and fields to an indoor space confined by the four walls of our homes in autumn, winter is a time to review the previous year and prepare for the coming year under the auspices of our elders. We listen to the stories we have learned, perhaps those we have almost forgotten, and those that repeat themselves time and time again.

Director

Producer

Slovenian National Theatre Drama Ljubljana is the oldest theatre institution in the country, founded by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. It is the central Slovenian repertory theatre house and one of the culturally most influential institutions in the region, with a permanent and internationally recognized 44-member ensemble. Drama's repertory includes classical, contemporary and experimental theatre productions.
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