Following the internal casting held at the Nikola Vaptsarov Drama Theatre – Blagoevgrad, active rehearsals are now underway for the project “Carnival of Fire,” implemented in partnership with the Fire and Shadows Theatre Fireter.

Under the guidance of Plamen Ivanov – director of the performance and leader of the workshop-laboratory – the selected participants from the theatre’s troupe are undergoing an intensive creative process that brings together physical theatre, work with body and rhythm, street performance art, stilts, fire elements, and acrobatic techniques.

Children from the Theatre School at Nikola Vaptsarov Drama Theatre – Blagoevgrad, led by Teodor Kukov, are also taking part in the rehearsals. For the young artists, this is a valuable opportunity to become part of a professional stage process and to develop their skills in a new, dynamic environment – beyond the boundaries of the traditional theatre stage.

“Carnival of Fire” is a project that brings theatre into the urban space, transforming the street into a stage for an encounter between actors, fire, movement, music, and audiences. The performance will combine spectacle, energy, and live presence, expanding the boundaries of the performing arts and reaching new audiences.

The premiere of “Carnival of Fire” will take place on 18 and 19 September 2026 at 8:30 p.m. in Blagoevgrad, in the central urban area – at 1 Georgi Izmirliev-Makedonche Square. Before the performance begins, a carnival procession is planned from the bridge by the Youth Centre towards Georgi Izmirliev Square, where the set, lighting, and sound equipment will be positioned.

After the premiere performances in Blagoevgrad, the production will also be presented in Simitli and Gotse Delchev.

On 2 October 2026 at 8:30 p.m., a public performance will take place in Simitli, in the central urban area – at Septemvri Square.

On 3 October 2026 at 8:30 p.m., “Carnival of Fire” will be presented in Gotse Delchev, at Gotse Delchev Square. Before the performance, a carnival procession is planned along the main pedestrian street, Targovska Street, starting from the Cultural Centre towards Gotse Delchev Square, where the set, lighting, and sound equipment will be positioned.

A period of intensive preparation, creative experimentation, and the development of a performance lies ahead — one that will transform the urban environment into a stage for a spectacular encounter between theatre, fire, movement, and audiences.

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The project is implemented with the financial support of the National Culture Fund under the “Creation and/or Distribution – Small Projects” 2025 programme.