Tomi Janežič is one of the most important voices of contemporary Slovenian theatre, known for his innovative approach to work, which combines traditional and contemporary acting techniques.
Born in 1972 in Šempeter pri Gorici, he has shown a remarkable sense of acting exploration that transcends established boundaries during his studies at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television in Ljubljana (AGRFT). His work is characterised by an innovative blend of classical dramaturgical techniques and contemporary psychodramatic approaches, which has become a hallmark of his directorial style.
His first professional production, Equus, was staged in 1996. Since then, he has had a string of successes with productions such as Galeb (The Seagull), Kralj Lear (King Lear), Potujoče gledališče Šopalović (Šopalović's Travelling Theatre) and others. His play Sedem vprašanj o sreči (Seven Questions about Happiness) also received a great response, and Janežič was awarded the Prešeren Fund Prize. The peculiarity of his approach is that there are no classical boundaries among actors, director and audience. Janežič believes that a theatre performance is a "living process" – an event that takes place between actors and audience, and is at the same time in constant dialogue with everyday life.
Janežič's work is not limited to Slovenia – his performances have been presented at important festivals, such as Kunstenfestivaldesarts in Belgium, Bitef in Serbia and Wiener Festwochen in Austria. While Slovenian theatres often operate at a factory pace of production, the Slovenian Youth Theatre is one of the few that enables creation with unique methodology. As a result, his works are rarely featured in Slovenia, but remain extremely influential.
In addition to directing, Janežič is a professor and mentor. As a full-time professor at AGRFT, he passes on his rich experience to new generations. His contribution to Slovenian and international theatre goes beyond individual performances – he creates theatre that brings people together, breaks conventions and puts human relationships at the centre of every moment on stage.
Janežič remains fascinated by the integrity of the theatrical experience, which for him is not only a work of art, but also an intense life experience. His work proves that theatre can become a place of exploration, confrontation and transcending boundaries – both artistic and personal. As part of GO! 2025, he will present Dodecalogy 1972-1983 as part of the Destin(y)ation project. It is a year-long theatre omnibus consisting of twelve performances produced in Nova Gorica, Ljubljana, Timișoara, Ivano-Frankivsk, Novi Sad and within the framework of the Krušče Creative Centre. The Dodecalogy will be presented throughout the year 2025 in the framework of the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica - Gorizia, with one of the twelve performances being presented each month. "Dodecalogy outlines a network of life destinies that stretch over time and are marked by journeys and migrations," he said about the creation of the project.
