Based in Ljubljana, one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, Andrej is a lighting designer looking for his 'space' to point, shoot, shine and dim lights and ideas be-tween the lines of dramatic text and sheets of music! His impressive CV includes working extensively with the National Theatre and various high-profile opera, theatre and ballet companies both in Slovenia and internationally.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Andrej: Ljubljana, Slovenia ... Hoping that this will still apply in the after-virus world.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Andrej: Mostly taking care of my physical and mental health. Every hour spent on a bicycle in nature eliminates the excess time that could have been spent being pessi-mistic.

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Andrej: Playing with different onPC lighting software and trying to stay in shape. Ar-ranging my archives.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Andrej: Not directly, only keeping the basic social contacts with close family.

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Andrej: I don't know where from .... but I recently got the image into my head of WWII. Called the Battle of Stalingrad

I know there is no logical connection with the current situation, but it does inspire me with a thought of a 'collective fight' against domination.

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video?

Andrej: Book – Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff Christ's Childhood Pal, a novel by American writer Christopher Moore, published in 2002 that seeks to fill in the "lost" years of Jesus through the eyes of his childhood pal.

And the movie is Uncut Gems, a 2019 American thriller directed by Josh & Benny Safdie who co-wrote the screenplay with Ronald Bronstein.

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through this crisis?

Andrej: Having my morning coffee and getting confused looking at the rehearsals sheet for the upcoming week, deciding which of the rehearsals to see in the morning and which in the evening … and hoping to have some time for at least a sandwich in between!

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Andrej: Smile, handshake, hug. Small things that make a day so much nicer. Over and over.