Tin Grabnar / Ljubljana Puppet Theatre

Tin Grabnar’s performance Still Life addresses the evasive question of the phenomenon of life. What is the inner force that we call life? What is life like? How to understand the phenomenon and way of existence and its opposite—death? By exploring these questions, a performance language takes shape—one that addresses fundamental questions of the existence of animals and at the same time strives to engender respect in the audience for all that we refer to as being alive. In the Victorian era, taxidermy—the art of preserving animals’ bodies—gained popularity mainly as a peculiarity and a symbol of prestige or as a trendy decor for high society disguised as science. Up to today, this form of art has developed different expressions reaching beyond its original purpose, which was to depict nature in its naturalistic dimension.  


Tin Grabar's research space varies between classical and alternative theatre, puppetry and documentary. A broad understanding of the theatrical experience and the different performing procedures allow him to bring together elements of dance, improvisation, contemporary puppetry, magic, performance and the visual arts in his works. His performances address collaboration, community, group dynamics and helplessness. Grabar explores theatrical communication, investigating a wide spectrum of performative strategies, establishing a collective process of creation.