In 2025, Mini Theatre is participating for the second time in the prestigious European theatre project École des Maîtres, which for over three decades has connected leading European directors with young actors from various countries. This year's 34th edition of the project will be led by renowned Iranian director Amir-Reza Koohestani, known for his subtle documentary style and politically engaged storytelling, which opens up space for reflection on freedom, uprootedness, and identity.
Koohestani, born in 1978 in Shiraz, is the founder of the Mehr Theatre Group in Tehran. His works are regular features at international festivals, including the Festival d’Avignon, Théâtre de Vidy in Lausanne, and Berlin’s Schaubühne theatre. In the past, the leadership of École des Maîtres has been entrusted to some of the most significant figures in European theatre, such as Jerzy Grotowski, Matthias Langhoff, Anatoly Vasiliev, Romeo Castellucci, Pippo Delbono, Ivica Buljan, Rodrigo García, Christiane Jatahy, Alvis Hermanis, and Tiago Rodrigues. For decades, the project has contributed to shaping the canon of European theatrical thought and artistic practice.
This year, Mini Theatre has become a full partner of this esteemed international laboratory and has selected four young actors to represent Slovenia: Lovro Zafred, Lucija Ostan Verjup, Nika Korenjak, and Luka Grbić. The artistic process will take place in August and September across six European cities – Liège, Milan, Udine, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Angers – with public presentations in all participating countries, including Slovenia.
In addition to Mini Theatre, project partners include: CSS Teatro stabile di innovazione from Udine (the project coordinator), Théâtre de Liège (Belgium), Teatro Nacional D. Maria II and APT – Associação Portuguesa de Teatro (Portugal), Comédie de Reims, and Le Quai – CDN Angers Pays de la Loire (France).
These are among the most important institutions in contemporary European theatre production, which through this project create a dynamic space for artistic exchange, training, and intercultural dialogue.
This year’s workshop, under Koohestani’s direction, will focus on the themes of belonging, otherness, and inner displacement, which the actors – coming from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds – will explore through both personal and collective performative forms. By joining École des Maîtres, Mini Theatre further strengthens its role as one of the most vibrant international theatre hubs in the region and offers young Slovenian artists a unique opportunity to engage with the most current currents of European theatre.
