Puppentheater Ljubljana (SI)

What is the inner force we call life? How’s life? What does it mean to take this life? These elusive questions are the starting point of Tin Grabnar’s piece “Still Life”. Taxidermy, the art of preserving animal bodies, serves as a central element: it creates the illusion of life where there is no more life. In the Victorian era, stuffed animals were above all a prestige symbol of society. In the course of time, different forms have evolved that go beyond their original purpose of depicting nature. Taxidermy can be seen as love for nature, but it also stands for its exploitation.
The subtle play of the three actors finally creates another paradox – the inanimate object is brought to life. A creature that once lived and was killed by humans is now brought back to life by them. We should have respect for what is alive!

Tin Grabnar works in the field of classical as well as alternative puppet and documentary theatre. In his works he combines dance, improvisation, contemporary puppetry, magic, performance and visual arts. He not only collaborated with the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre for “Still Life”, but also the play “Irgendwo anders” (Somewhere Else) was created in collaboration and brought him numerous international awards.