(dedicated to Edit Piaf and my Šmona)
Concept Lara P. Jankovič, Simona Semenič, Zijah A. Sokolović
Direction Zijah A. Sokolović
Dramaturg Amelia Kraigher
Lyrical interpretation Tomaž Letnar, Janez Menart
Accordion Marko Brdnik
Performer Lara Jankovič
The concept behind the performance Like Me, the authorial debut of actress Lara P. Jankovič, has matured over quite few years. During her years of study at Ljubljana’s Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television (AGRFT), Lara Jankovič, who in 2004 first emerged as a chanteuse with a CD entitled Pred Vami Stojim Gola (I Stand Naked Before You), was captivated by the unusual and contrasting fortunes of Edith Piaf - the little sparrow - one of France’s most beloved singers and a national icon.
This evening monodrama reflects upon the ups and neck-breaking downs of Piaf, which are combined with the narration and intimate confessions of this ardent fan. The underlying theme of the narrative is love in every conceivable form and aspect, and the songs have been selected accordingly. The lyrics have been especially interpreted for this performance by Tomaž Letnar, while the music has been adapted and arranged by accordionist Janez Dovč who also accompanies Lara Jankovič live on stage.
Like Me is directed by one of the greatest masters of monodrama Zijah A. Sokolović, distinguished by his sincere interpretations and peculiar poetics. Sokolović’s most renowned work Glumac…je Glumac…je Glumac (Actor…is actor…is actor), which he both wrote and directed, is a monodrama that reflects upon his own acting experiences. Staged for twenty years, it has been translated into six languages and performed by thirteen actors in twenty countries around the world.
Performer and chanteuse Lara P. Jankovič has won several prestigious awards for her artistic endeavours. As a young actress she received a Borštnik Award for her theatre work, as well as Zlata Paličica (Golden Baton) for a theatre festival aimed at children and youth. She is also a recipient of an award bestowed by Slovenia’s Association of Drama Artists, while the number entitled Cabaret Brez Skrbi brought her best music award at a local song festival.