En–Knap & Iztok Kovač

Milk Voices

8 min

#vr360

2020

MILK Voices 360 is the VR360 version of MILK Voices, filmed in the heart of Ljubljana. Through an interplay of voice, movement, and collective presence, the work explores questions of identity, belonging, and patriotism, examining how ideas of community, homeland, and collective identity are formed. The spatial logic of the VR360 format places the viewer at the centre of the action, creating a direct experience of the relationship between the individual and the collective.

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In both the live performance and its VR360 version, En–Knap Group starts from the question of how a sense of belonging and an understanding of community are formed, and to what extent identity and patriotism are inevitably tied to birthplace, nation, and nationalism. The project questions exclusionary models of patriotism that construct collective identity through the distinction between “us” and “them”, proposing instead an inclusive understanding of belonging grounded in shared social norms, principles of coexistence, and respect for the rule of law.

The VR360 version places the work within a specific spatial and perceptual framework. Filmed at Ljubljana Central Market, it brings together the movement of En–Knap Group, the voice of Irena Z. Tomažin, and the singing of the women’s choir Kombinat, while the 360-degree perspective dissolves the traditional relationship between stage and audience. The viewer is placed at the very centre of the collective situation, where voice, body, space, and community emerge as interconnected elements.

MILK Voices 360 thus continues to explore belonging as a dynamic social and cultural process – not as a category determined solely by origin or territory, but as a relationship shaped through shared values, responsibility, and ways of living together.

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

Milk Voices

Concept and choreography Iztok Kovač

360 direction and camera Sašo Podgoršek

Performers Luke Thomas Dunne, Tamás Tuza, Giorgia Belotti, Rada Kovačević, Radoslav Piovarči, Katja Kolarič

360 editing Andrej Lamut

Graphics and effects Omar Ismail

Sound recording Studio 100

Vocals Irena Z. Tomažin

In collaboration with Women’s Choir Kombinat

Conceptualisation Aleš Črnič

Composer and researcher Catherine Milliken

Translation Jure Škerl

Special thanks Osnovna šola Savsko naselje (Ljubljana), Osnovna šola Ketteja in Murna (Ljubljana)

Production En–Knap Productions / Stage360

Co-production Goethe-Institut (International Coproduction Fund)

Stage360Founder and artistic director Iztok Kovač

Technical coordinator Omar Ismail

Sound post-production Studio 100

VR technology consultant Marko Cafnik, Multiversum

Executive producer Karmen Keržar

Managing director Marjeta Lavrič

Rehearsal director Nohemi Barriuso

Head of finance Julija Travančić

Head of public relations and editor Nina Smerkol

Marketing and project coordinator Goran Pakozdi

Event organisation and coordination Katja Gabrijelčič

Technical team Leon Curk, Omar Ismail, Hotimir Knific, Špela Škulj, Gal Škrjanec Skaberne

The programme of En–Knap and the Španski Borci Cultural Centre (managed by En–Knap Productions) is financially supported by the City of Ljubljana – Department of Culture and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia.