MY STUDENT TRAINEESHIP IN LJUBLJANA: Marta Đorđević

Marta Đorđević
University of Arts in Belgrade, Faculty of Dramatic Arts

Erasmus+ Mobility for Traineeship at:

Mini Teater Ljubljana

Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, I spent the spring of 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, doing an internship at Mini Teater. This experience allowed me to explore contemporary theatre practices, discover bold new artistic voices, and immerse myself in an environment that encourages experimentation and creative freedom — something I have often missed in my home context.

For a long time, I’ve carried the idea of creating an original play for my graduation project — a performance that explores the topic of leaving Serbia in search of something different or better. I knew I had to leave myself in order to speak truthfully about that experience. Being in Ljubljana, somewhere between student life and entering the professional world, gave me exactly the perspective I needed.

Mini Teater proved to be the perfect space for this. Their artistic policy is centered around workshops, research, and risk-taking. I found true collaborators there — people who listened, challenged, and inspired me. My initial idea quickly transformed from a rough sketch into a much deeper, more refined concept.

During my stay, I watched numerous performances across different venues in Slovenia, from institutional stages to experimental spaces. I wrote reflections and critical reviews of what I saw, which helped me sharpen my own artistic vocabulary and taste.

I also connected with many people from Serbia now living abroad, as well as ESC volunteers and exchange students from across Europe. I initiated and organized a full-day gathering with some of them — a mix of games, food, conversations, and an interactive workshop I designed. In this workshop, I collected stories, experiences, and reflections on the theme of living in a foreign country: questions of belonging, adaptation, and personal identity. These dialogues have enriched my project immensely.

My mentors at Mini Teater supported me with care and curiosity. They recommended literature and films that resonated with my research questions, helping me deepen the scope of my project. At this point, I feel like I have enough material for not just one performance, but three different ones.

Outside of theatre, I explored Slovenia as much as I could — from the lakes of Bled and Bohinj, to the Julian Alps, Piran by the sea, and peaceful towns like Škofja Loka. Nature gave me unexpected motivation and creative clarity. Every morning began with birdsong, and every weekend offered the possibility of a new mountain or a quiet forest path. Thanks to Slovenia’s central location, I even managed to travel across borders and visit international friends for their birthdays — in Italy and Croatia. These small adventures made me feel part of a wider community and gave me the sense of fluidity and belonging that I’ve often been searching for.

This internship was a turning point for me — artistically, personally, and professionally. I am leaving it full of inspiration, connections, and the drive to create and share.