The performance Transport: Departure is part of the international Creative Europe Transport project, initiated by Slovenian director Tin Grabnar. In the 2024/2025 season, it connects six theatres from Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

The genre-diverse performances, characterised by hyper-realistic miniature visual imagery and complex soundscapes, unite audiences in an intimate confrontation with the pressing issues of contemporary society. The underlying theme of these performances, which are structurally and thematically intertwined, is the issue of transport as one of the main foundations of globalisation, driven by insatiable economic development.

The Ljubljana production sheds light on its consequences, especially through the excessive exploitation of natural resources, which leads to the disruption of ecosystem balance. This imbalance is increasingly manifesting itself in the rise of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and wildfires, affecting millions of people worldwide.

In addition to ecological concerns, the performance also addresses the inadequacies of spatial planning policies, which, through reckless infrastructure expansion and the interests of urban developers, further increase environmental vulnerability by disregarding ecological limitations and the capacity of ecosystems.

The careless expansion of settlements without consideration for sustainable guidelines leads to degradation of nature, destruction of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This not only diminishes the quality of human life but also weakens the resilience of natural habitats to climate change.

Departure is not merely an aesthetic reflection but also a metaphor for the urgency of change. The performance highlights the idea of departing from current destructive practices and systems and shifting towards sustainable alternatives. It invites the audience to reflect on their own contribution to the current situation and how each individual can help co-create a more sustainable future.

The central message of the performance is a reflection on the search for balance between development and preservation of nature, which will enable the long-term coexistence of humans and the planet. It calls for responsibilityboth personal and collective. It questions everyday habits, consumption patterns, mobility choices, and our understanding of the space we live in. It also raises concerns about the policies that shape the world and seeks answers on how we can create a fairer, more ecologically responsible world.

Premiere: November 2024, Stage under the Stars LGL

Authors: Tin Grabnar and Ajda Rooss
Director and concept author: Tin Grabnar
Dramaturge: Ajda Rooss
Art and set designer: Sara Slivnik
Costume designer: Tina Bonča
Cast: Aja Kobe, Ajda Toman
Composer and sound designer: Mateja Starič

Hyper-realistic miniature, length 40 min