The Slovenian National Theater is called DRAMA. It has two stages; a main stage and a studio stage, and is located in the heart of the city on Slovenska Cesta. So far the National's current season has been an array of world theatre giants from Shakespeare to Beckett to the more unknown but nevertheless impressive plays of Milena Marković. Most evening performances can be found on both stages, usually starting at 19:30 on the main stage and 20:00 in the studio, but do check performance times before attending as they can vary. An evening spent at DRAMA competes with any night in the West-End.
 

Glej can be described as the Royal Court of Slovenia, which is to say that it is the place you will find some of the newest, most experimental and authentic Slovenian theatre in Ljubljana. With its own new playwright program, an audience member is given a unique insight into the contemporary Slovenian mindset. Glej also works with international partners to bring experimental theatre from around the world. It is a relatively small theatre and as such has only one stage, but with a full program for the coming months there's sure to be something for everyone.

Now one for the children! Puppetry has long been part of Slovenian tradition. Putting a 'Punch & Judy' show to shame is the world renowned Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, which can be found on the same square as the funicular railway leading up to the castle. The main theatre is often visited by tourists passing to the castle for its clock, which strikes the hour with music and the appearance of different figures from within. Although this is a nice attraction, a trip into the theatre itself reveals some of Europe's most impressive and influential puppet performances. Combining traditional and contemporary elements, the performance are something that adults and children alike will be able to appreciate. The theatre has four venues, so there is always a wide choice of shows and also houses a puppet Museum, making it a must day out for families in Ljubljana.
 

One must be aware before going to see any show that most productions are in the Slovene language. While some will undoubtedly view this as an impediment, we prefer to see it as a unique opportunity to experience a truly magical art form. When watching theatre in a foreign language one is forced to look at other elements within the play to find meaning, which often results in a deeper exploration of the play's theme, and can reveal as much about the viewer as the performance: the true purpose of drama!

However if theatre performed in an unfamiliar language poses a problem, then you can always search out the latest production from B.E.S.T, a British theatre company based in Slovenia specialising in English language performances. While B.E.S.T proudly boasts that they are the first and only English speaking, independent theatre in Slovenia, they are also a small company and as such productions can be thin on the ground at times. To find out current production details try their website www.bestheatre.com. B.E.S.T also offers corporate and private murder mystery nights, which is a relatively rare style of entertainment in Slovenia.