Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Protest, counter-protest outside National Theatre over John Malkovich production 

George Bernard Shaw's play Arms and the Man sparks violent nationalist discontent

Photo: BTA

A second night of protests took place outside the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia, but this time there were no physical confrontations. The protest was again over George Bernard Shaw's play Arms and the Man, directed by John Malkovich.
Two groups of demonstrators rallied: protesters and counter-protesters, the former denouncing the play as "anti-Bulgarian", the latter expressing their discontent with the protest.


"I'm not Bulgarian and I can't imagine why this play, which is a work of fiction, set in Bulgaria, with quite charming Bulgarian characters, should be considered so offensive. I think it's a charming and funny play. It's a stage, not an arena," John Malkovich told the national media.


Many actors, including Teodora Duhovnikova, Julian Vergov and Darin Angelov, as well as politicians, turned up to support the cast and director of the show. The Mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, said: "It is important to protest and to express one's opinion, but in a civilised way.

John Malkovich in the auditorium of the National Theatre.

Photos: BTA


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Ivan Kondov (L) and Igli Hasani

Foreign ministers of Bulgaria and Albania reaffirm support for accelerated construction of Corridor 8

Bulgaria’s caretaker Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov and his Albanian counterpart Igli Hasani confirmed the firm commitment of the two countries to the accelerated construction of transport Corridor 8. Romania has asked to join the construction..

published on 11/21/24 9:04 AM

Gale-force winds inflict damage in Vratsa and the environs

Winds of up to 120 kms. per hour inflicted damage in Vratsa, the biggest town in Bulgaria’s Northwest. Dozens of reports have come in of fallen trees and branches onto vehicles and roads, damaged equipment and torn overhead cables. There were..

published on 11/21/24 8:43 AM

Temperatures will drop, snowfall expected in high places

A cold front will pass through the country overnight and tomorrow from the northwest . Rain will fall in many places in the western regions and the Danube Plain, and will quickly turn to snow in the high fields of western Bulgaria and the Balkan Range...

published on 11/20/24 7:35 PM