Metka Pavšič: I FEAR NO DEVIL OR TORTURER PROSECUTION OF THE SMUGGLER MELHIORICA
METKA PAVŠIČ
Produced by IDRIJA MUNICIPAL MUSEUM
In 2020 Idrija Municipal Museum (founded in 1953), along with the actress Metka Pavšič and author Alenka Bole Vrabec, decided to enrich its program with the theatrical performance about the 18th century smuggler, woman named Melhiorca.
The actress Metka Pavšič received her master’s degree in Ljubljana, at the Academy of Theater, Radio, Film and Television – Forms of Speech. In her career, she collaborates with various theaters, for example Gledališče slepih in slabovidnih Nasmeh (Theater of Blind and Visually Impaired “Smile”), Dramatično društvo Idrija 2 (Theatrical company Idrija 2) and Linhartov oder (Linhart’s scene). Her last play by Vinko Moderndorfer: “I Regret Nothing” was performed 137 times. After that, she decided to move on with shorter forms that can be performed in different spaces.
I FEAR NO DEVIL OR TORTURER
Prosecution of the smuggler Melhiorca
Author Alenka Bole Vrabec
Directed by Mateja Mlačnik
Stage designer Mateja Mlačnik
Costume designer Lidija Anzelm
Music Magdalenca vpije (traditional song)
Photographer Bojan Tavčar
Other artistic staff: full professor Tomaž Gubenšek, speech consultant
Cast:
Metka Pavšič
Marija Terpin Mlinar (introduction)
The play begins with a short historical presentation of space, time and familiar facts about the smuggler woman named Melhiorca. The story is based on true events. It includes central elements of cultural heritage and identities of this region: the heritage of mercury mines and Idrija lace. The year is 1731; Idrija; Castle Gewerkenegg: Administrative, economic, judicial and mining seat of the area. A trial against the gang of mercury thieves and smugglers is being held in the castle. The trial is led by the manager of the mine, esteemed Steinberg, who is being provoked by a certain woman. The woman, originally from Šebrelje in Cerkljansko, is connected to a network of smugglers. However, nobody can prove that. Stubborn as a mule and elusive as an eel, according to the known data, the oldest known merchant of Idrija lace. The woman has many faces, including the one she will reveal to us tonight. Proud, brave, determined, compassionate… Marina Melhiorca.
Metka speaks in dialect.
Duration: 30 minutes
Language: Slovenian