site.bta33rd Varna Summer International Theatre Festival Opens

The 33rd Varna Summer International Theatre Festival opened on Sunday with the performance of the Bulgarian Army Theatre's Hamlet at the Stoyan Bachvarov Drama Theatre in the seaside city. 

The motto of this year's festival is Theatrical Bridges, as the emphasis in the programme is on performances that connect different generations, eras, and cultures. "The theatrical bridges that we want to build are in the region of Southeast Europe. It is interesting to look at how the Bulgarian stage is present in this context," emphasized Via Fest Foundation Director Prof. Nikolay Yordanov. The festival in Varna is, above all, a space for creative encounters between Bulgarian and foreign performances, between classical and contemporary productions, as well as between conventional and alternative ideas about theatre, he noted.

Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev expressed satisfaction that the festival, which is a valuable emblem of the city, continues to be a tradition and thanked the organizing team. "Theatre is one of the most ancient arts, it is a reflection of our reality, culture, but also of our most intimate experiences," he emphasized, adding that it is a powerful and delicate instrument through which people can get to know the world and to convey knowledge, emotions, and views.

The festival is an emblem of the city but also a chance for the audience and for the residents of Varna to enjoy great art, Theatre and Music Production Centre Director Daniela Dimova pointed out. She noted that she views the current edition of the festival as a blessing, as the 33rd anniversary is more special both in human life and in art, as it begins to bring, in addition to emotions, passion and wisdom.

The Varna Summer International Theatre Festival in 2025 is organized by the Via Fest Foundation with the financial support of the Culture Ministry, Varna Municipality, the National Culture Fund and the Goethe-Institut. The festival is also supported by First Investment Bank. BTA is a media partner of the festival.