On November 1, we will open an exhibition featuring photographs from some of the most beloved productions in the history of the Nikola Vaptsarov Drama Theatre – Blagoevgrad.
On November 1 at 6:30 PM, we invite you to the opening of the “Theatre Photography” exhibition in the area in front of the September 22 Hall in Blagoevgrad. The exhibition will feature striking photographs from some of the most beloved and memorable productions in our repertoire.
The event is part of the accompanying programme of the fifth anniversary edition of the Balkan Theatre Festival, which will take place from November 1 to 7, 2026.
Through this exhibition, we invite you on a journey through the theatrical history of our theatre. The exhibition brings together photographs that capture the power of the actors’ performances, the beauty of the characters brought to life on stage, and the emotions that unfold under the spotlights. Each photograph tells a story, preserving moments of theatrical artistry that continue to live on long after the final applause.
The photographs are the work of Ivan Donchev, with whom we have collaborated closely over the past several years. As the photographer behind many of the productions in our repertoire, he has captured countless unforgettable moments on stage that have become part of the theatre’s visual history. His lens captures not only the action on stage, but also the fleeting gestures, glances, and emotions that make every theatrical experience unique.
Among the photographs on display are images from productions that have left a lasting mark on the theatre’s history – “The Picture of Dorian Gray” based on the novel by Oscar Wilde, directed by Stayko Murdzhev (premiered in 2019); “Vanity Fair” by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by William Makepeace Thackeray, directed by Margarita Macheva (premiered in 2020); “Metamorphoses” based on Ovid’s work, with a stage adaptation by Mary Zimmerman, directed by Stayko Murdzhev (premiered in 2023), as well as other theatrical productions that have captivated our audiences over the years.
With this exhibition, we wish to highlight the richness of our theatrical heritage and the productions that continue to live on beyond the stage. For us, photography is not only a way to preserve significant moments from our creative journey, but also an opportunity to share them once again with our audience.
“Theatre Photography” is part of the accompanying programme of the Balkan Theatre Festival 2026. This year, we celebrate its fifth anniversary edition, during which we will welcome seven productions from Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovenia to Blagoevgrad. Alongside the main programme, we have also prepared a series of accompanying cultural events, offering audiences further opportunities to explore the many facets of theatrical art.
We look forward to welcoming you on November 1 at 6:30 PM at 1 Georgi Izmirliev Square, in front of the September 22 Hall in Blagoevgrad, to share together the memories, emotions, and stories that the theatre preserves.
Admission is free.
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The project is implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture.
Sponsors of the Balkan Theatre Festival 2026: Villa Daros and Diamanti Wedding Agency.
Partners: Blagoevgrad Municipality, Artstage, Park Bachinovo Hotel, Diva Hotel, Alpha Hotel, Staroto Foto, Bulgarian National Television (BNT), ArtAkcia, and Bulgarian National Radio – Blagoevgrad (BNR Blagoevgrad).
