The acquisition of national theatre status
The Primorska Drama Theatre Becomes the Slovenian National Theatre
The acquisition of national theatre status, achieved by the Nova Gorica theatre in 2004, was the result of thoughtful managerial and artistic leadership decisions. The professionalisation of the theatre in 1969 confirmed its previous work while also marking an important stage in its development. For further growth, it was necessary to expand the acting ensemble and strengthen it with formally trained actors. During his first term as director (1975–1986), Sergij Pelhan employed both recent academy graduates, including Bine Matoh, and more experienced actors such as Aleksander Krošl; he also awarded a scholarship to Janez Škof, who spent one season as part of the Nova Gorica ensemble.
Alongside these staffing decisions—later reinforced by the arrival and guest appearances of prominent actors—the development of the theatre was significantly supported by the construction of a new theatre building. This enabled more complex productions and attracted established directors. Some productions became iconic, such as The Bald Soprano, and the theatre also achieved notable international recognition. Its high artistic level was confirmed by numerous awards.
The process of transferring the founding rights and responsibilities for the Primorska Drama Theatre (PDG) from the municipality to the state began even before the acquisition of national status. The idea that PDG should gain this status and become one of Slovenia’s three national theatres—alongside those in Ljubljana and Maribor—was supported by Rudi Šeligo, briefly Minister of Culture in 2000, and later realised by his successor Andreja Rihter. Three key criteria were essential: artistic quality, the importance of the national border region, and competitiveness in a broader context. At the time, these criteria were actively pursued by Pelhan, who resumed his role as director in 1997, and Primož Bebler as artistic director. Through ambitious artistic development, PDG became SNG Nova Gorica.
Avtor: Ana Perne