En–Knap & Iztok Kovač

Martin Krpan (part two)

35 min

#at the theatre

2025

In the story we all know, Martin Krpan cuts down a linden tree and crafts from it the weapon with which he defeats Brdavs, saving Vienna before riding home on his faithful mare. But what happens next? Few Slovenians know that Fran Levstik also wrote a sequel to his famous tale. Inspired by this lesser-known continuation, the dancers of En–Knap Group have created a story of their own, presented in the playful and mischievous spirit that audiences embraced in Ant Ferocious and Hellhound, performances that have delighted children across Slovenia for more than a decade.

Created in collaboration with a top-tier artistic team, the performance explores environmental themes through play, dance and humour. It invites young audiences to reflect on the protection of nature, the consequences of our actions and the importance of community. Its interactive format also encourages children to participate and express themselves through movement.

Suitable for ➝ age 5+, primary school
Themes ➝ community, environmental awareness, responsibility, Slovenian literature, cooperation

Krpan and his mare find themselves in an idyllic forest on their journey home, where they meet Jegovec, a kind forest spirit. He is deeply distressed. Human hands have invaded his woodland paradise. Inspired by Krpan's example, the Emperor's army has begun felling trees on a massive scale and turning them into weapons.

At first, Krpan is pleased by the widespread production of clubs and cudgels. But with the help of Greta the mare and Jegovec, he comes to realise that he has set a bad example. There are now too many weapons in the world, and the forests are disappearing before their eyes. Will the three companions succeed in stopping the Emperor and repairing the damage that has been done?

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Cover image MKII2025 4x5

When dance and theatre speak about nature. Educational materials for preparation and follow-up activities.

Through humour and adventure, the performance explores the relationship between people and the natural world, with a particular focus on the protection of forests, which provide a home for countless plants and animals and form an essential part of our environment. 

The audience receives a programme booklet that unfolds into a poster. On the back of the poster, Martin Krpan stands beneath the large canopy of a linden tree, to which children can attach coloured linden leaves. Children draw a linden leaf on a sheet of paper, colour it and cut it out using zigzag scissors. They then attach their leaves to the tree canopy, which gradually fills with colourful foliage, reminding us of friendship, connectedness and care for nature.

Older children can add their own suggestions for protecting the environment, such as: I bring my own bag when I go shopping or I ride my bicycle instead of taking the car. The poster can be displayed in the classroom or at home and gradually expanded throughout the school year.

A) Dance & movement workshops

Participants discover how performances are created through easy and approachable choreographies at a practical dance workshop led by members of En–Knap Group. 

Suitable for ➝ age 5+, primary school, high school

B) Backstage tour 

What happens behind the curtain before a performance begins? This guided visit takes participants through the hidden spaces of the theatre, introducing the people, tools and processes that make a performance possible. From the stage and lighting booth to rehearsal spaces and technical equipment, students discover how many different skills come together to create a live event.

The tour is adapted to different age groups and connected to the performance they have seen, on stage or in virtual reality.

Suitable for ➝ age 5+, primary school, high school

C) Meet the artists

Conversations with choreographers, dancers and guest artists offer a closer look at how performances are created. Together, we explore where ideas come from, how movement becomes a language, and how dance can speak about identity, relationships, technology and the world around us. 
What is a choreographer actually doing? How do dancers create movement? Can a body tell a story? How does contemporary dance approach themes such as identity, belonging, friendship, difference or community? Each conversation is adapted to the performance and age group, encouraging young audiences to connect their own experiences with the artistic process.

Suitable for ➝ primary school 3rd cycle, high school

bio

Iztok Kovač is a choreographer and founder of En–Knap. Following the international success of his solo How I Caught a Falcon (1991), he became one of the key figures in the development of Slovenian contemporary dance. He founded En–Knap Group, Slovenia's first permanent contemporary dance ensemble, and serves as artistic director of both En–Knap and the Španski borci Cultural Centre. His works have toured internationally for more than three decades. Additionally, his artistic practice includes six dance films, international pedagogical work, guest choreography and the direction of major national events in Slovenia. During the Covid period, he initiated Stage360, developing dance works in virtual reality.

credits

Concept and direction Iztok Kovač

Choreography and performance En–Knap Group 

Script Iztok Kovač, Jera Ivanc, Mattia Cason, Tina Habun

Voice on tape Žiga Golob

Music and performance Blaž Celarec, Nino de Gleria, Žiga Golob

Live music edit Maja Pahor

Light design Aljaž Zaletel

Costume design Barbara Stupica

Costume and props production Atelje d.o.o., Barbara Stupica

Photography Žiga Koritnik

Illustration Neja Engelsberger

Design Marko Damiš

 

Production En–Knap Productions

 

En–Knap Productions artistic director Iztok Kovač 

Managing director Marjeta Lavrič 

Executive director and Head of finance Julija Travančić

En–Knap Group artistic director Mattia Cason

En–Knap Group rehearsal director Ana Knez Štefanec

Executive producer Karmen Keržar

Postproduction Nataša Ramovš

Coomunication executive Valerija Intihar

Design Marko Damiš

Event coordinator and organizer Katja Gabrijelčič

Technical Production Aljaž Zaletel, Fabijan Purg, Omar Ismail, Leon Curk, Hotimir Knific, Gal Škrjanec Skaberne, Maja Pahor