The National Theatre in Nova Gorica is one of the youngest professional theatres in Slovenia. Originally established in 1969 as Primorsko dramsko gledališče (PDG), it moved into its new building in 1994. Designed by award-winning architect Vojteh Ravnikar (b 1943) and featuring a fully-equipped 360-seat hall, this building remains to date the only new theatre built in Slovenia since World War II. In 2003 PDG became one of the three state owned theatres (see also Slovene National Theatre (SNG) Ljubljana - Drama and Slovene National Theatre (SNG) Maribor) and was renamed the Slovene National Theatre (SNG) Nova Gorica.

The theatre's geographic position - situated at the junction of two cultures, represented on one hand by the 'old town' of Gorizia in Italy and on the other by the new town of Nova Gorica in Slovenia - has exerted a substantial influence on its role and orientation of the theatre. The repertoire of SNG Nova Gorica comprises contemporary and classical plays staged by established as well as younger Slovene directors and also by several directors from abroad (eg Andreas Ingenhaag, Georgij Paro, Paolo Magelli, Janusz Kica). The programme features new texts by Slovene and foreign authors; special emphasis is placed on the Theatre of the Absurd (Ionesco, Beckett), Mediterranean authors (Goldoni, Ruzante, Machiavelli, Držić etc), and comedies.

SNG Nova Gorica stages six premieres per season with guest actors often joining the permanent cast of 21 actors. Almost half of SNG Nova Gorica productions are presented on tour in Slovenia or abroad. Two of its subscription seasons are aimed at children (The Tiny Snail, The Big Snail), while for young theatre lovers the activities of the Youth Stage, as well as the ongoing theatre and dance summer workshops, will be of interest. In addition to its regular programme, the theatre participates in co-productions and organises guest performances by Slovene and foreign theatre, music, ballet and dance groups.