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Katja Vidmar Announces the New Dance-Theatre Production DECIDE, Created in Collaboration with Choreographer Mitja Popovski and the Slovenian Institute for Organ and Tissue Transplantation, Slovenia-tr
Parada plesa – “Na špici”
18 May 2026
Barbra Drnač
Ljubljana / Maribor
Katja Dance Company has been creating socially engaged multimedia dance-theatre projects that combine art and charity for nine years. During this time, the company has presented more than 230 performances, created seven dance fairy tales for children, and staged several acclaimed charity productions (Woman, Life is a Value, Project X, The Book, Why Me?). On Friday, 22 May 2026, the new production DECIDE premiered, and, as with previous projects, part of the proceeds from ticket sales, after expenses, will be donated, this time to Slovenia-transplant in support of its humanitarian mission. The following interview with choreographer and company leader Katja Vidmar was conducted in the days leading up to the premiere.
Dear Katja, welcome back to my portal. The reason, of course, is your new production, which premiered on Friday, 22 May at 8:00 p.m. at Španski borci. The title is DECIDE, and once again the theme is connected to health. Why does this topic continue to inspire you?
Hello. This topic has resonated within me since my youth. I often thought about it and wanted to find a way to become an organ donor. Naturally, I registered as a potential donor through Slovenia-transplant because it is my personal wish, and I want my loved ones to respect that decision should my life end prematurely.
Health and illness are subjects I encounter constantly, both professionally and in everyday life. They make me think deeply because they are intertwined with extraordinary events and the stories of remarkable people. They are simply part of life.
This particular topic can make many people uncomfortable. Tell us about the content and purpose of DECIDE.
Some people may initially be surprised, but there is really no need for fear or hesitation. During the creation of this production, Albert and I visited the offices of Slovenia-transplant, where Dr. Andrej Gadžijev and his team provided us with answers, literature, expert guidance, publications, and information that enabled a meaningful collaboration and helped us address common concerns within the performance.
Organ donation is a free, thoughtful, noble, and profoundly humanitarian decision through which one person can save several lives. For me, it represented the fulfilment of a personal wish, a way to express my values and offer someone else the possibility of a future.
When I met Nina Žitek, President of the Slovenian Transplant Association, which will receive the funds raised from ticket sales, and heard her story as a transplant recipient, I realised just how important this field is and how much organ donation remains a taboo subject.
A few weeks before the premiere, I also met the mother of Urban, a 14-year-old donor. Urban had shared with his brother Tadej his wish to become a donor, helping his parents later make an incredibly difficult decision. Through organ donation, Urban saved three lives. A short film about his family precedes the performance, allowing us to continue what we call Urban's Legacy.
This production marks your first collaboration with choreographer Mitja Popovski. How did that come about?
Yes, Mitja is the co-choreographer, and it was my first opportunity to work with someone of his stature in the dance world. It was a great honour.
The dancers are exceptional, and the collaboration was a beautiful and inspiring experience. When you work with performers who can effortlessly bring your ideas to life and who actively contribute creative suggestions, the process becomes truly special. In many ways, all of us became choreographers together.
Bringing together two groups of dancers and coordinating schedules could have been complicated, but throughout the process I felt a strong sense of connection and shared purpose. I am very grateful to Mitja and all the dancers, and proud that we stand on stage together.
Who makes up the dance ensemble this time?
The dance ensemble for DECIDE features Ajda Šterbenc, Ana Mužič, Eva Bebar, Eva Bitežnik, Hana Štraus, Maša Štefanič, Sara Brčvak, Sofija Safronova, Tia Uršič Popovski, Zarja Kopriva, and Katja Vidmar.
In addition to Mitja Popovski and myself as choreographers, two indispensable collaborators are also part of the creative team:
Albert Podrekar, who, as always, is responsible for the entire production, technical direction, projection design, sound, and lighting design.
Luka Bruketa, a talented young videographer who recognised the opportunity to contribute to this project and assisted with the video projections as well as the filming of a documentary that we will share with audiences in the coming weeks.
For Albert, the creation of DECIDE came during a particularly difficult period of his life. Through his contribution to the production, he wishes to pay tribute to his recently deceased father, with whom he had built a close and meaningful relationship in recent years.
Many other people accompanied and supported us throughout the creation of this performance, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to them:
Polona, Rok, and Tadej Franko, for trusting us with the weight and significance of their personal story; Jana Šimenc; Dr. Andrej Gadžijev and the entire team of Slovenia-transplant, the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Organ and Tissue Transplantation, for their guidance, expertise, and collaboration; Nina Žitek and the Slovenian Transplant Association, to which the proceeds from the performances are being donated; photographer Miran Juršič; the Falcon team: Janko Kene, Andrej Hostnik, Tadej Pavlič, and Jani Krošelj, for the extraordinary opportunity to experience something truly special; Silva Kastelic, Principal of the Secondary School of Health Sciences Ljubljana; Kristjan Jovanov Oblak and student Maja Pirih for their assistance with filming; Barbra Drnač and Parada plesa for their continuous media and promotional support; Mateja Marc for her financial contribution; Matej Krenker and Tadej Tomažič from the Slovenj Gradec Health Centre; Tjaša Platovšek for hosting the premiere; and Ela Zdešar for her outstanding photographs from the WE ARE STILL HERE photography project.
Their support, generosity, expertise, and belief in this project made DECIDE possible. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of them. ❤️
I imagine you will tour with this production both in Slovenia and abroad. What are your plans?
Absolutely. As with our previous production Why Me?, we plan to translate DECIDE and perform it internationally. We have developed strong friendships in Croatia, where new opportunities are opening up, and we are already discussing performances in several cities. We are also exploring possibilities elsewhere in Europe and participation in international conferences.
Of course, touring with such a large ensemble presents challenges, but we believe it is possible.
Finally, as always, let's talk numbers. You remain one of the most active dance companies in Slovenia.
What matters most is that we are able to create and inspire dancers and audiences alike.
To date, we have presented 233 performances and appearances with our dance productions and fairy tales. Life is a Value remains our most frequently performed production with 43 performances, while Why Me? has already reached audiences through 15 performances and continues to grow.
Our children's dance fairy tale recently celebrated its 28th performance.
Since our work is entirely voluntary, we have raised and donated more than €90,000 to charitable organisations and individuals in need.
This demonstrates that it is possible to live by our motto:
“Care to Dance. Dance to Care.”
And we truly enjoy every moment of it.
All the best, and see you at the premiere.
Interview by Barbra Drnač, Parada plesa
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