The Master

Few cities are associated with one architect as Ljubljana is with Plečnik. His visual language and unique spatial solutions had an impact on the generations who lived there, and unfailingly enhanced the development of the city. Plečnik with his rich knowledge, inspiration and hard work set new standards in our environment and laid the foundations of national architecture and art. Plečnik’s Ljubljana is a world phenomenon, recognised by UNESCO in 2021, which listed several of Plečnik’s works in Ljubljana as World Heritage sites.

One of the central figures of Slovenian cultural history, therefore, receives a theatre tribute on the occasion of the 150^th anniversary of his birth. The text titled The Master is based on Plečnik’s extensive correspondence. Plečnik regularly corresponded with numerous family members, acquaintances, colleagues and friends, as well as with famous personalities. He wrote thousands of letters which show him as a person who contemplates his time, observes life, is a workaholic, a pessimist and a polyglot.

In coproduction with Prague City Theatre, we will also create a Czech Master. Plečnik worked in Prague for two decades, leaving an indelible mark and co-creating Masaryk's vision of the new republic.

The project associates theatre and architecture – the performance will be staged outdoors. The roof terrace of Gimnazija Jožeta Plečnika in the vicinity of the Ljubljana City Theatre, unknown to most of the citizens, will provide an excellent venue to put Plečnik’s mind into perspective. We will gain a new insight into his and our city.

As France Stele wrote: “Plečnik’s Ljubljana is a personal Ljubljana, the result of his strong personality; but it is also our common, collective Ljubljana, because Plečnik lent an ear to our heart that is beating for it.”

Jaša Koceli

Director Jaša Koceli and members of his permanent creative team mostly take up author’s projects or adaptations of the existing texts in order to develop their own theatrical language. In the past eight years, he directed nineteen productions in various theatres across Slovenia, Lithuania, Romania and Hungary. His latest production Too close was created during lockdown in 2021.

The students, admirers and visitors often referred to Jože Plečnik as “the master”, a title he refused, but which followed him wherever he went. His deep commitment to his work and the conviction that nothing truly good is created without striving for perfection have firmly established his reputation.