Performance Trans-Plant by Luka Martin Škof and Nika Švab at Old Power Station, 2020. Author: Nada Žgank
Set in a former power plant, the aptly named Stara Elektrarna can be translated as the Old Power Station. One of the most important contemporary performing arts venues in Ljubljana, it is run by a non-governmental organisation, the Bunker Institute. The place is primarily used for theatre and dance performances, yet also frequently utilised as a rehearsal and residency space. Various workshops (ranging from cultural management to dance techniques), lectures, round tables, concerts and multimedia events also take place here.
Numerous Slovene festivals have been (or still are) hosted by Stara Elektrarna (in part or in their entirety), among them the Mladi levi Festival, the City of Women International Festival of Contemporary Arts, the Gibanica (Moving Cake) Biennial of Slovenian Contemporary Dance Art, MENT Ljubljana, Animateka International Animated Film Festival, and also the Lutke International Puppet Festival, etc.
Stara Elektrarna is included in the Transferzala project, a combined season ticket for 5 independent Ljubljana performing arts venues: besides Stara Elektrarna, also Dance Theatre Ljubljana, Španski borci Culture Centre, Glej Theatre and Vodnik Homestead.
The venue's foyer features a small museum displaying various pieces of now-defunct equipment from the old power station.
Audience at the Mladi levi Festival, Old Power Station. Author: Nada Žgank
The opening of the Mladi levi Festival in Old Power Station. Author: Nada Žgank
