Red House

THE RED HOUSE

Throughtout the history, Celje was ruled by Roman emperors, Counts of Celje, empresses, lords, comrades and nouveau riche – called tycoons in this country. The rulling class has always wielded political power for manipulation, using different government bodies called »arm extensions«, »hooks«, »right and left hands«, »urgent measures« etc. The different principles of implementing government measures resulted in different methods of intimidation of the local population. The term Red House was coined as a reulst of the psycholocical pressure on Celje's inhabitants. This was the unofficial name for the building housing the Celje headquarters of the ruling party after Wolrd War II. Decisions on everything and everyone were made behind those closed doors. Those who disagreed with the policy were invited for »interviews! at the Red House. Repercussions in case of disobedience were unpleasant to sat the least and so the term Red House became a synonym for threats. There are several urban stories from this period. One of them decribes the corporate rectuitment and hiring methos in that period.

On day, a high-ranking party official convened a business meeting at a factory in Celje. He requested that the current director be relieved of duty and substituted with comrade Ocvirk, effective immediately. The order was promplty executed. However, too scare to object or speak at all, the people at the factoryfailed to mention that among the several hundred employees, three shared last name Ocvirk. Se they picked one of them and appointed his as managing director. When the party official visited the factory two yeards lated, he was in for a surprise: he was greeted by a director he had never met. But he wouldn't lose any sleep over that. The next day, the right comrade Ocvirk was promoted to manager.

The room features city symbols, detailes from minutes, decisions, statements, and stories from the histroy of Celje's political milestones and mishaps. You are welcome to add your story. Become a prince or simply comrade Ocvirk and pave your way to success.