Hansel and Gretel

Andrej Rozman Roza, a multifaceted literary and theatrical artist, has created a fresh theatrical adaptation – or rather, a contemporary short play – based on the classic Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. “Although it bears the same title, tells the same story, and features the same characters, everything in our performance is different,” Rozman Roza explains.

In his review for Delo, critic Peter Rak praised the production as a clever, warm, and humorous retelling that “draws out all the essential themes of the original story while introducing a distinctive rhythm through verse, which adds extra charm to this oft-reimagined tale.”

In Rozman Roza’s version, Hansel and Gretel endure a series of stark trials – facing hunger, poverty, and a cruel stepmother. As long as their loving father remains with them, their hardships are bearable. But when the stepmother decrees there is no longer enough food to go around, the children are forced to fend for themselves. Cast out into the unfamiliar darkness of the forest, they eventually stumble upon hope in the form of a beautiful, mouthwatering gingerbread house. Yet the tempting sweetness conceals a sinister secret: the cannibalistic Aunt Devoura. Through wit, bravery, and resilience, Hansel and Gretel outsmart the witch and, transformed by their ordeal, take their first steps into adulthood. It is only by surviving a cruel and dangerous initiation that they become strong enough to face life ahead.

Directed by Robert Waltl – actor, puppeteer, and artistic director of Mini Teater – the production takes the form of a musical and dance-theatre fairy tale for audiences aged four and above. Set in Slovenia’s Alpine region, the show features lively and energetic folk music composed by Slavko Avsenik Jr., which pairs harmoniously with costumes designed by Ana Savić Gecan. These richly detailed costumes offer a modern twist on traditional Slovenian folk dress, supporting the vibrant visual style of the performance.

The dynamic set design – with its large movable backdrops, oversized props, and theatrical stage elements – evokes a variety of magical, fairy tale-inspired spaces. In her Večer review Alpine Romp, Petra Vidali described the production as “a story about surviving dangerous parents, wild beasts, and cannibals – and even laughing along the way.”

First staged at the Maribor Drama Theatre in 2010, the show has enjoyed remarkable longevity, with nearly 180 performances over the span of a decade. The revival, featuring a new cast – Petja Labović and Gaja Filač (a new member of the Maribor Drama ensemble) as Hansel and Gretel – is recommended for children aged five and up.