My war accordion
historical cabaret for narrator and accordion

Based on the true story of Matija Zorec, Šteger’s grandfather, the cabaret spans the fifty most turbulent years of the 20th century and extends spatially from Trieste through Ljubljana to the North Sea and the Slovenian mountains. It de-ideologises established historical views and divisions and, through the story of an individual and music, raises the question of historical guilt and responsibility without fixed judgements.

It combines elements of poetry, storytelling, performance and music with video and sound effects. The text is written as a rhymed narrative; the central motif is the grandfather’s black accordion, his saviour through the storms of history, all that remains of the dilemmas and turmoils, ideologies and drives of times gone by.

Aleš Šteger, text, narration, sound effects
Music by Jure Tori, accordion

Directed by Jernej Lorenci

Video:
Jan Cvitkovič
Ivo Barišič (acting)
Director of photography: Alan Kosmač
Set Designer: Vasja Kokelj
Assistant Director: Irena Kovačević

Premiere: Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana, Slovenia, January 6th, 2023

foto: Peter Uhan