From 24 to 28 September 2024, the Mini Teater, in collaboration with the Jewish Cultural Center Ljubljana, hosted a unique and inclusive workshop as part of the TRAST project. This workshop introduced participants to the innovative concept of storytelling using puppetry to explore personal and collective identities. Rooted in Museum Theatre principles, the workshop aimed to offer a more theatrical and engaging way of interpreting artefacts and personal stories, blending performance and community theatre techniques.
Participants had the opportunity to closely observe theatre and puppet performances, exploring the characters and identities that puppets represent. The workshop encouraged creativity and playfulness, guiding participants to contribute to the preparation of a theatrical narrative that would bring their stories to life. Using various acting methods, such as movement improvisation, participants delved into expressions of personal identities while addressing broader themes of insularity—a central concern of the TRAST project.
A key focus of the workshop was on how puppetry can serve as a tool for storytelling. Participants were taught how to articulate their experiences through puppet characters, making puppets the narrators or central figures within their stories. This allowed them to explore their personal journeys, emotions, and challenges in an inclusive, collaborative environment.
On 25 September, the workshop welcomed a special guest, renowned Czech puppeteer and set designer Robert Smolík, who joined to collaborate on the TRAST production "Interactive Puppet Installation: 700 Years of Jewish Presence in Ljubljana." Smolík, known for his expertise in puppet design and performance, led a session that focused on the types of puppets, their construction, animation, and their influence on the audience. He emphasized how the size, shape, and materiality of a puppet can drastically impact the tone and content of the performance. Participants, including actors, directors, and theatre professionals, explored how puppets can be used to express complex narratives and emotions, providing an immersive, interactive experience for audiences.
The workshop was a core part of the TRAST project, which seeks to engage the Jewish community living in Ljubljana, using cultural and theatrical practices to give voice to minority experiences. By blurring the lines between museum and theatre, this production challenges traditional storytelling and brings new life to historical narratives. Through theatre, participants were able to use puppets to breathe life into stories and objects, making the stage a dynamic archive where history and identity come alive.
This workshop reflects TRAST's mission to revitalize cultural identities and create innovative, inclusive spaces for storytelling and community engagement. By integrating the elements of theatre and performance into museum contexts, it offers a new way to explore the concept of insularity and the shared experiences of minority communities.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
