The concept of the alter ego transcends psychological dualities; it resonates in our quest to gain a deeper understanding of the universe and ourselves. As we gaze into the boundless nocturnal sky, Mars stands out as the most enchanting of our celestial neighbors, embodying both the warrior spirit and the potential promise of new beginnings. Wrapped in rust-coloured dust, the planet brings up nostalgia for ancient mythology, which celebrates it as the patron deity of soldiers and a symbol of valor. In modern times, Mars serves a dual purpose: it forces us to confront our current dilemmas – global conflict, environmental degradation – but it also fuels our imagination and drives our ambition for future exploration. It entices us to explore deeper connections, not just with the universe, but with each other, and it invites us to ruminate on our shared existence.
In this transformative light, we can also observe the innovative art projects presented at this edition of the R.O.R. festival. Much like Mars exploration, these projects invite us to explore the fields of creativity which challenge our perspectives and encourage our understanding of identity. Through creation of an “alternative self”, the artists engage the audience in deep self-reflection and collective exploration, and allow us to experience our reality with fresh interpretations and imaginative narratives. This blending of science, mythology and art creates a unique environment which enriches our understanding of the universe and our place in it. As we stand at the threshold of discovery and gaze at the Martian horizon, we are reminded that the vastness of existence hides within it the seed of opportunity for renewal, hope and an ever-deeper understanding of what it means to be human.
BridA
19:30 Nova Gorica Music School Wind Orchestra led by Armando Mariutti, concert
1. R. Strauss / Prir.: P. A. Caboufigue: Also sprach Zarathustra
2. Prir.: J. Vinson: The Marches of John Williams
3. C. Orff / prir. J. Bocook: Music from Carmina Burana
4. B. Appermont: Return of the Vikings
5. Prir.: K. Morita: Pirates of the Caribbean Medley
6. G. Holst / Prir. J. Vinson: Mars
20:00 Opening of the R.o.R Festival and the Light Path exhibition
Visitors will be greeted by the Mayor of Nova Gorica Samo Turel and the director of the public institution GO! 2025, mag. Mija Lorbek.
Bevkov trg square, Nova Gorica
In case of extremely bad weather, the event will be moved to the lobby of the Nova Gorica City Hall.
Tis Aly, Janez Grošelj, Luke Jerram, Tatiana Kocmur, LuMenArtist, Circus Lumineszenz, Eva Mulej, Pia MYrvoLD, Urša Rahne, Liza Šimenc, Lightspray Visual
Project locations: Primorski park, Rusjanov trg square, Xcenter, underpass between Mercator and Xcenter, GONG Gallery, Bevkov trg, Nova Gorica City Hall, Bevkov park
20:00-22:00 Tis Aly, Tatiana Kocmur, Eva Mulej, Urša Rahne and Liza Šimenc: Rastišče, multimedia research and participatory light performance
Every passer-by is invited to take collaborate on making a picture to create a unique lighting experience.
Underpass connecting Mercator and Xcenter, Nova Gorica
19:00-22:00 Light Path, exhibition
19:00-22:00 Tis Aly, Tatiana Kocmur, Eva Mulej, Urša Rahne and Liza Šimenc: Rastišče, multimedia research and participatory light performance
Every passer-by is invited to take collaborate on making a picture to create a unique lighting experience.
Underpass between Mercator and Xcenter, Nova Gorica
19:00-22:00 Light Path, exhibition
19:00-22:00 Tis Aly, Tatiana Kocmur, Eva Mulej, Urša Rahne and Liza Šimenc: Rastišče, multimedia research and participatory light performance
Every passer-by is invited to take collaborate on making a picture to create a unique lighting experience.
Underpass between Mercator and Xcenter, Nova Gorica
19:50 Dr. Andreja Gomboc and Mag. Andrej Brešan: A Stroll on Mars, a talk on the main features of Mars, discoveries made and the history of observations and exploration of Mars
Bevkov trg square, Nova Gorica
21:00 TERRANIGMA x VJ BubblesFractals Live, audiovisual performance combining experimental electronic dance music with live visuals
Bevkov trg square, Nova Gorica
16.30 Poetry Without Borders, international poetry reading
The event will be attended by the Macedonian Cultural Association Ohrid Pearls, University of Udine, Gorica Literary Club Govorica and many other individuals and groups who build bridges between cultures with their words and music.
Bevkov trg square, Nova Gorica
19:00-22:00 Light Path, exhibition
19:00-22:00 Tis Aly, Tatiana Kocmur, Eva Mulej, Urša Rahne and Liza Šimenc: Rastišče, multimedia research and participatory light performance
Every passer-by is invited to take collaborate on making a picture to create a unique lighting experience.
Underpass between Mercator and Xcentre, Nova Gorica
19.30 Marko Batista: Colors in Motion, AV performance
After the performance, the audience can try their hand at creating moving audio-visual compositions, projected onto the façade of the Nova Gorica City Hall in real-time.
City Hall Front Lawn, Trg Edvarda Kardelja 1, Nova Gorica
20:00 MN Dance Company, dance performance
Bevkov trg square, Nova Gorica
Free admission. Welcome!
The festival organizer reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary. Any changes will be published at
www.ror-art.com
The project is co-financed by the public institute GO! 2025 – European Capital of Culture, Nova Gorica.