This project is alive and needs resources to continue to grow.

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MAKES POSSIBLE------------------

The funds enable a continuation of the creative process — musical composition, films, visuals, dramaturgy. Every contribution goes immediately into the creation of the work.

A PHYSICAL OPERA----------------------------

ZASLEDOVANJE (The Hunt) opens on a group of water spirits — depicted by dancers, actors and singers — living in thermal waters deep in the mountains of Slovenia. Perturbed by the growing chaos in the world and the radical shifts happening in nature, the spirits decide to set out on a hunt in pursuit of energies that can soothe and rejuvenate.

As they move through the stories and energies living in caves, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, gorges, conflicts arise among them. Some are tempted to take root in the enclaves of beauty they pass through, others of them feel compelled to continue the hunt. With films of different water bodies projected onto them, they sing, dance, speak their way through the choice between staying in a known and venturing towards an unknown.

They continue their pursuit through waters under and above ground until they reach the open sea, a space with no borders whose waves are attuned with the movements of the earth. Rooting themselves in its continual movement brings harmony to the troupe.

STAGING ---------------------------

The performance will unfold through a dialogue between live & filmed CHOREOGRAPHIES of the body, music, sounds, text, water, images. Sung and spoken text will be woven with gestures and dancing. The players will be dressed in white with films of aquatic landscapes projected onto their bodies.

The MUSIC will be a duet between live singing of a mezzo soprano & baritone and pre-recorded tracks that weave chamber orchestra & voices with aquatic field recordings and electroacoustic sounds. The soundscapes physically embrace the public, enabling deep listening that goes beyond cognitive perception.

ABOUT ME & PRODUCTION----------------------

I am the director, composer and choreographer of Zasledovanje. I am based in Paris where I am a member of La Maison des Artistes. I am originally from New York. my site: annpapoulis.space

The physical opera has been evolving for over a year. I have taken numerous trips — without any budget — in the Karst Region of western Slovenia, filming, sensing the nature, building the musical and cinematic scenario, and assembling a Slovenian creative team of exceptional caliber: singers, actors, dancers, dramaturg, musical arranger and co-sound designer. I am currently in negotiation with theaters in Slovenia and abroad for co-production and sponsorship, with the premiere planned for 2028, and an international tour envisioned.

JOIN THE INNER CIRCLE--------------------

As a contributor to this campaign, you become part of a community of people gathering around the opera. You share in its evolution and the contribution it can make to the growing awareness of artists and environmental groups of how crucial it is for humanity to tune into nature in order to find ways of living in harmony with the changes occurring across the earth.

PATRONAGE--------------------

Patronage is accorded for contributions of 1000 € or more. Patrons will be listed in the program (if desired) and invited to all events surrounding the opera.

Zasledovanje is a hunt for what is ancient, eternal, real, and very much alive.

I invite you to join us.