Odivo: Slovakia's Boundary-Pushing Theatre
Discover the independent Slovak theatre collective blending puppetry, movement, and marginalized themes to captivate audiences.
Love P and Passion B, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
One story
The story of one of the most successful and distinctive independent Slovak theatres, Odivo, began with the collaboration of two theatre creators — Mária Danadová and Monika Kováčová.
In the heart of the country
Mária, from western Slovakia, and Monika, from the east, met in the heart of the country — in Banská Bystrica, where they founded their own theatre in 2014. The name Odivo comes from the oldest Old Slavic term for “theatre.”
Very first production
Their very first production, Love P and Passion B, already foreshadowed their original poetics, where object theatre intertwines with exploration and discovery of new artistic forms.
Based on the personal engagement
Their original productions are based on the personal engagement of both creators with the theme they explore. What matters to them is not only the precisely crafted final result, but also the quality of the process through which they arrive at it.
Aero, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
A unified creative vision
In developing the concept, they incorporate all components of the performance from acting and movement to visual and musical elements working with each of them equally.
From the youngest to senior spectators
They create space to express more about reality through associations and suggestions than by merely telling a story. In their productions, both artists take on the role of directors. Their work addresses a wide range of audiences — from the youngest to senior spectators.
Aero, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
Visually strong
They do not limit themselves to the field of visually strong puppet theatre but also venture into experimentation with materials, music, technology, and movement.
Aero, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
Brought to light
For Slovak audiences, they have brought to light themes that were on the margins or systematically overlooked — such as caring for a long-term ill person, the socialization of children and youth, or the experience of living with a mental disorder.
Lightbearer, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
Creating imaginative
The working method of Divadlo Odivo is based on creating imaginative and subtly unfinished connections. This approach invites audiences — regardless of their age — to engage actively through imagination and personal interpretation.
Lightbearer, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
Passive observers
Rather than remaining passive observers, they are encouraged to confront what they see with their own experience and to perceive the performance as a living, participatory process.
Themes
For Slovak audiences, they have brought to light themes that had long been marginalized or systematically overlooked.
Immersed, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
Authorial platform
In addition to their own authorial platform, both artists collaborate with other theatres, such as Bratislava Puppet Theatre, Pôtoň Theatre in Bátovce, Honey and Dust collective, and Dance Studio Theatre.
Immersed, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
Shared artistic and collaborative space
Monika Kováčová and Mária Danadová have also found a shared artistic and collaborative space in the Puppet Theatre at the Crossroads in Banská Bystrica, where they have been part of the theatre’s artistic leadership since the autumn of 2025.
Cosmos, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
Odivo
Theatre Odivo has presented its works at numerous European international festivals. Their production Immersed received three nominations for the the 2021/ 2022 season — for Outstanding Dance Achievement, Set Design, and Music — in the prestigious Slovak theatre awards DOSKY.
Cosmos, Odivo Theater (21th Century) by Odivo TheaterENICPA. European Network of Information Centres for the Performing Arts
Being recognized
Since its founding, it has performed at more than 60 theatre festivals in total. Odivo Theatre has also been recognized at international festivals in Bulgaria, Serbia, Poland, Croatia, and the Czech Republic.
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