Paciferka is a contemporary dance and storytelling performance inspired by a traditional Slovenian folktale that has been passed down through generations. At its heart is the story of a young girl who, after the death of her mother, is confronted with an impossible fate when her father, unable to find a woman as beautiful as his late wife, decides to marry his own daughter. Forced to flee, Paciferka embarks on a journey of survival, resilience, and self-discovery.
Rooted in the rich tradition of Slovenian oral storytelling, the performance reimagines this ancient tale through the expressive language of contemporary dance, live narration, and music. Rather than presenting the story as a historical relic, the work uncovers its enduring relevance, exploring themes of loss, power, freedom, identity, and the courage to resist violence and oppression.
Balancing the intimacy of storytelling with the physicality of dance, Paciferka invites audiences into a poetic world where folklore becomes a mirror of contemporary society. The performance celebrates the strength of the human spirit while revealing how stories carried across generations continue to resonate with the questions and challenges of our own time.
Paciferka
Production:
MN Dance Company
Co-production:
ZRC SAZU
Eccom - Idee per la Culture
Hdik Kea European Affairs
THe CAFE: Redefining Cafe Hauses as Unique European Cultural Heritage project (Creative Europe)
CREATORS:
Choreography and direction: Michal Rynia, Nastja Bremec Rynia
Storyteller: Renata Lapanja
Dancers: Petra Seruga, Nathan Dhugues
Original music: Andrea Pandolfo
PREMIERE:
14 June 2026
EpiCenter Nova Gorica
Michal Rynia and Nastja Bremec Rynia
Renata Lapanja
Petra Seruga
Nathan Dhugues
Andrea Pandolfo