Brane Vižintin

In the 1990s, he co-founded three non-institutional puppet theatres that played a pivotal role in reshaping Slovenian puppetry. These were: the Konj Puppet Theatre (founded by Jan Zakonjšek and Silvan Omerzu), the Freyer Theatre (established by Edi Majaron), and Grupp Ultra—the first alternative puppet theatre in Slovenia.
Together, these companies produced over fifteen innovative puppet shows, including Napravite mi zanj krsto (1993), Don Juan (1996), Podgane (1996), Barbie (1997), and King Ubu (1999). These productions stood out for their virtuoso puppeteering, original artistic approaches, and inventive staging. Their boldness challenged the prevailing notion that puppet theatre was exclusively for children, enhanced the international profile of Slovenian puppetry, and strongly influenced institutional theatre productions.

In 1999, he joined the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, where he has since created over 150 roles.
In addition to acting, he regularly directs puppet productions and occasionally designs sets. He is considered one of Slovenia’s foremost masters of puppet animation—a specialist in a wide range of puppetry techniques and the principles that govern their operation and performance. As an animation consultant or assistant director, he has contributed to more than a hundred productions both in Slovenia and internationally.

He has taught animation at the Academy of Arts in Osijek and served as an associate professor of animation and puppetry at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television (AGRFT) in Ljubljana. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at various puppetry academies, seminars, and workshops.

Beyond the stage, he has experience using puppetry in therapeutic contexts, working with at-risk youth, children with special needs, and individuals recovering from acquired brain injuries through one-on-one therapeutic puppet interaction.

He is the recipient of numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious Župančič Award.