11/11/2024
On 7 November 2024, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Bulgaria was the target of unprecedented attacks in connection with the premiere of a new production of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man (known in Czech as The Chocolate Hero), directed by John Malkovich. According to unsubstantiated accusations, the demonstrators claimed that the interpretation of Shaw's classic play insulted the Bulgarian people and they violently prevented the audience from entering the theatre. The premiere of the production was so disrupted by the demonstrators that the actors had to perform in front of an almost empty auditorium. The performance was eventually broadcast by Bulgarian national television and only the second premiere the following day was held with sufficient police protection.
The National Theatre Drama expresses its support and solidarity with the Bulgarian Ivan Vazov National Theatre, which is facing attacks on its artistic freedom. This is part of the rise of far-right movements across Europe that are attacking freedom of speech on many levels and attempting to violently influence public debate.
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre, like the National Theatre Drama, is part of the European platform of the ETC and has always been an inspiring partner, an institution with high artistic standards and always upholding the values of freedom and democracy.
On behalf of the National Theatre Drama,
Martin Kukučka and Lukáš Trpišovský, Artistic Directors of the National Theatre Drama
Nina Jacques, dramaturge of the National Theatre Drama and the Prague Crossroads Festival
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One of the many videos documenting the attack can be seen here – demonstrators assaulted the actor Vlado Penev outside the Ivan Vazov National Theatre.
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