Vlasta Nusdorfer: „In every place, we plant the seed of kindness.“

Štajerski dnevnik 16th April 2025

Former Human Rights Ombudsperson, pro bono advisor to the former President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, on human rights, social policy, and humanitarianism, lawyer, and writer Vlasta Nussdorfer is also the honorary patron of many events, including the theater-dance multimedia performance Why Me, performed by Katja Dance Company for the Let's Learn About Multiple Sclerosis association.

(Photo: Črtomir Goznik)

The performance deeply touched everyone who watched it at the City Theatre in Ptuj. Through it, we learned how some people can overcome difficult moments, remain strong, build families, have children, and become role models. It conveys to the public that we must be empathetic—every day, we can contribute something to people who cannot live independently without the help of others. That contribution doesn’t have to be financial. Simply attending such a performance, participating in an event, or engaging in conversation already makes a difference, as we never know what tomorrow will bring. Yesterday is the past—it will not repeat itself. Today is fleeting, and hopefully, tomorrow will be brighter, happier, or at least a day we can face with strength.

Vlasta Nussdorfer celebrated her 70th birthday last year. She continues to give numerous lectures, perform, write columns, and publish books. There are almost not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything she wishes to do. At the end of November last year, she published her 16th book titled Our Girls and Boys 'with Matches': Twelve New Stories, which will even serve as a teaching resource at the Faculty of Education in Ljubljana.

Her 15th book, 50 Grains of Happiness, was dedicated to people with deafblindness—those who are both deaf and blind. Wherever she goes, she inspires with her deep sense of justice and kindness, her compassion, and her attentiveness to vulnerable groups.

She has collaborated with Katja Dance Company for many years. Katja and her Albert are the souls behind creative work for vulnerable groups. "We started with the performance Woman, addressing violence against women. Then came the multimedia theatrical performance Life is a Value, a tribute to the young knights who fought cancer, with proceeds going to the Young Knight foundation. It encourages reflection on life, illness, love, and suffering. These are all deeply meaningful performances that open up the world of those who are ill and in need of our support. I always respond to such invitations—that is why I came to Ptuj. If asked whether I would be the patron of such positive performances, the word 'no' simply doesn’t exist. I always come, I always go with them whenever possible, unless I have another event. Ptuj holds a special place for me—I have been here multiple times, even for other occasions. I find it incredibly important to speak to the audience before the show so they can understand how closely linked health and illness are. Today, we can be grateful for good health, but we don’t know what tomorrow holds. Offering support is the least I can do. That is why I am always happy to meet friends—because the people who create these performances can be found in other places, too. I hope that someday there will be more of us, because in every place, we plant a seed of kindness and compassion. When I watch the news, I think: Look at all the bad news. But when I go out into the world, I say: Look at all the good people," Vlasta Nussdorfer shares about her support for vulnerable communities.