International network
for contemporary
performing arts

Réseau international
pour les arts du spectacle
contemporains

Rete internazionale
per le arti performative
contemporanee

コンテンポラリー
パフォーミングアーツ
国際ネットワーク

Internationales Netzwerk
für zeitgenössische
darstellende Künste

Международная сеть современного 
исполнительского 
искусства

Red internacional
para las artes escénicas
contemporáneas

Internationaal netwerk
voor hedendaagse
podiumkunsten

თანამედროვე საშემსრულებლო
ხელოვნების
საერთაშორისო ქსელი

Rede internacional
para as artes performativas
contemporâneas

الشبكة الدولية
لفنون الأداء
المعاصرة

Alþjóðlegt
tengslanet
í sviðslistum

Xarxa internacional
d'arts escèniques
contemporànies

Rhwydwaith rhyngwladol
ar gyfer celfyddydau
perfformio cyfoes

Rrjeti ndërkombëtar
për artet skenike
kontemporane

Διεθνές δίκτυο
για σύγχρονες
παραστατικές τέχνες

Međunarodna mreža 
za savremene 
scenske umjetnosti

Mezinárodní síť 
pro současné 
divadelní umění

International netværk
for kontemporær
scenekunst

Internasionale netwerk
vir kontemporêre
uitvoerende kunste

თანამედროვე საშემსრულებლო
ხელოვნების
საერთაშორისო ქსელი

Nemzetközi hálózat
a kortárs
előadóművészetért

國際當代表演藝術網絡

líonra idirnáisiúnta
na taibhealaíona
comhaimseartha

Starptautiskais tīkls
laikmetīgai
skatuves mākslai

Netwerk internazzjonali
għall-arti performattivi
kontemporanji

Międzynarodowa sieć
na rzecz współczesnych sztuk
performatywnych

Internationellt nätverk
för samtida
scenkonst

Međunarodna mreža
savremenih izvođačkih
umetnosti

Международна мрежа
за съвременни
сценични изкуства

Rrjet ndërkombëtar
për arte skenike
bashkëkohore

Міжнародная сетка
сучасных
перфарматыўных мастацтваў

Međunarodna mreža
za suvremene
izvedbene umjetnosti

国际当代表演艺术网络

Rahvusvaheline
kaasaegsete etenduskunstide
võrgustik

현대 공연 예술을 위한 국제 네트워크

Tarptautinis tinklas
šiuolaikinis
scenos menai

Интернационална мрежа
за современа
изведувачка уметност

شبکۀ بین المللی
برای هنرهای نمایشی معاصر

Rețeaua internațională
pentru artele spectacolului
contemporan

Medzinárodná sieť
pre súčasné
scénické umenie

Çağdaş
gösteri sanatları için
uluslararası iletişim ağı

Wed 12.06
10:00-12:00
20

Advisory Committee meeting

Location: Hall 4, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 4, Toplocentrala    Interested participants
10:00-12:00
20

Global Connectors Gathering [CLOSED]

Location: Hall 3, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 3, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

This session will be the first opportunity for the Global Connectors 2024 to meet in person after six months of online exchanges. 

The first hour of this session (10:00-11:00) is open to all Global Connectors 2024 and Associate Members attending the Plenary. 

The second hour (11:00-12:00) will be attended by the Global Connectors 2024 and the programme alumni attending the Plenary to exchange and dialogue on their priorities and experiences.

10:00-21:00
22

Exhibition Toplo Gallery - CUBE Toplocentrala - A Dream For a Space 7+3 Years Toplocentrala

Location: Gallery-CUBE Toplocentrala, Hall 3    Interested participants

Location: Gallery-CUBE Toplocentrala, Hall 3    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

CCA Toplocentrala presents a retrospective exhibition following the birth and development of the project from its dream-phase to the active cultural institution that it is today. ‘A Dream For a Space 7+3 Years Toplocentrala’ is a recollection of official, archival material enriched with the private database of the people, who have helped build the art centre, thus combining the institutional narrative with that of the individual. 

The Toplocentrala Gallery - Cube will be the host of a spatially non-invasive exhibition titled 'ToploCentering', which occupies the walls in such a delicate way, as to allow for the hall to become a platform for the numerous events and meetings on the IETM agenda. Opposed to each other will be two centres aka clusters of data (visual, textual and tangible), revealing the past of Toplocentrala on one side and the present on the other. The rich history of planning, fighting for and defending the realisation of this project will face or mirror its vivid present of organising, maintaining and preserving this haven for theatre, dance, music, painting, sculpture, photography and many more.

An extension to the cluster of operative years of Toplocentrala will be a smaller-scale exhibition situated in front of the Cube - in the dedicated ‘Project Space’. There will be a key timeline of Toplocentrala with additional photographs and video, as well as a display of the most important achievements for the performative and visual art worlds, including a variety of statistics that emphasise the colourful, diverse and ever-growing world of Toplocentrala and the local art scene. The exhibitions aim to pay homage to the many years and people, efforts and ambitions that sparked this dream and continuously create the flame that keeps burning today. 

Accessibility: You can take the walk at your own pace. See the Practical Information for details about accessibility at Toplocentrala.

10:00-19:00
21

Planetarium - Understanding dark matter

Location: Planetarium, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Planetarium, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Address ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, Sofia | Event Map | Venue Accessibility 
Language: English

This immersive movie experience about space takes place every 30 minutes.

Duration: up to 30 min
Genre: Immersive movie experience
Price: 5 лв. / €2.5

Credits: Planetarium Andromeda


Get in touch

Contact: Sofia Planetarium
Status: Local, not available for touring


How to book?

You can purchase your tickets on the spot at the reception - no pre-booking required.

10:00-12:00
22

Artistic Walk: Tangible and intangible venues of the independent performing arts scene in Sofia [FULL]

Starting point: Sofia University main entrance, on the stairs of the university between the statues of the two brothers    Interested participants

Starting point: Sofia University main entrance, on the stairs of the university between the statues of the two brothers    Interested participants

Address: Sofia Center, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd 15, 1504 Sofia, BulgariaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

Ending point: Toplocentrala
Address: ul. "Emil Berzinsnt MapEvent MapVenue Accessibility

Freedom Lives Here.

Sofia boasts a relatively small but unpredictable and diverse independent scene. Discover the city through the perspective of grassroots venues, legislative loopholes and sustainable models of venue management. Learn about the ways our turbulent recent past and current political vacuum made it possible for venues and collectives to emerge and thrive, creatively challenging the seemingly impossible circumstances. 

Guide: Stephan Prohorov

Accessibility: The walk is 3km and will take 2 hours.

Maximum number of participants: 25. This session requires pre-registration.

Please note this session is now full.

11:00-16:30
18

Daytime meeting space

Location: Foyer, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Foyer, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Address: ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, Sofia | Event Map | Venue Accessibility 

The foyer at Toplocentrala will act as a space for you to meet up with old and new friends and take a break between or during sessions. You may want to grab a coffee or explore possible collaborations with international peers. It’s your space!

11:00-16:30
18

Accreditation and information desk

Location: Foyer, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Foyer, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Address: ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, Sofia | Event Map | Venue Accessibility

You are welcome to collect your badge as soon as you arrive at the venue. The first session will begin at 12:00.

11:00-17:00
22

Relaxed Room

Location: Dressing Room 1, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Dressing Room 1, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility 

A quiet space for participants to unwind.

12:00-13:00
18

Who’s there?

Location: Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Address: ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, Sofia | Event Map | Venue Accessibility

A speed-meeting session for those who want dedicated time to make new connections. This is the most joyful and fun way to start your meeting experience.

Moderator

Filip Pawlak, Freelance artist, Poland

12:30-13:30
20

Associate Members Meeting [CLOSED]

Location: Hall 4, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 4, Toplocentrala    Interested participants
13:00-14:00
21

Unveiling Bulgaria's independent scene and the Plenary Meeting artistic programme

Location: Hall 1, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 1, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

Join this presentation and Q&A to learn more about the performances featured in the artistic programme at the IETM Sofia Plenary Meeting. You will also be able to hear more about the past, present and challenges of the Bulgarian independent arts scene.

Speakers

Stefan Prohorov, ACT ASSOCIATION, Bulgaria
Veselin Dimov, Toplocentrala, Bulgaria
Vassilka Shishkova, Cultural Impact Researcher, Bulgaria

14:00-16:00
20

Participatory and Immersive Creation Group (PIC)

Location: Hall 2, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 2, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

This interactive session facilitated by the PIC group aims to think in practical terms about what it means to develop, present and tour an immersive and/or participatory art experience with sustainability and environmental consciousness in mind. Best practices will be exchanged and case studies will be looked at in order to share practical solutions to concrete problems.

The Participatory and Immersive Creation group (PIC) aims to provide a space for IETM members to tackle central issues we have in creating, presenting and producing this genre of work, through open discussions, experience sharing and creative exchanges.

Moderators

Isadora Bigazzi, Effetto Larsen, Italy
Hannah Angely, Kaimera Productions, France & USA

14:00-16:00
20

Artists Working Group

Location: Outdoor Tent, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Outdoor Tent, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

Initiated at the Belgrade Plenary in 2022, the Artists Working Group is a network of IETM members who work primarily as artists. It is a space for meeting, exchanging and discussing artistic topics and building concrete networks of support and artistic exchange beyond project-based collaborations.

It aims to focus on freelance artists’ perspectives and realities within IETM, increasing our visibility and effecting structural change. Artists Working Group aims to centralise the artist’s perspective and invites deeper dialogue on all issues with members, working groups and the IETM Board.

The group adopts intercultural, horizontal and inclusivity values and procedures.

You can reach the group by writing to [email protected].

WHAT’S YOUR UTOPIA?

Join the Artists Working Group for a collective creation. Dream, develop and define your utopia.

In groups, participants will dream big, focus on what’s important and develop possible creative solutions to current challenges using generative, optimistic prompts grounded in reality.

These utopias will serve as research that will be presented to IETM for future advocacy.

This two hour session will include fake crying, big dreams and hope for the future.

Moderators

Dalia Kiaupaite, Freelance artist, Lithuania
Meagan O’Shea, Freelance artist, Canada/Germany
Silvia Ribero, BILOURA Intercultural Arts Collective, Italy

14:00-16:00
20

Producers Group

Location: Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility 

This Producer Working Group gathering is co-hosted by members of international producer networks who are collaborating to foster dialogue and solidarity amongst producers of contemporary live arts. 

It is open to everyone who identifies as a producer, independent and/or associated with a company or institution, working at all scales and in all live art forms. 

The working group is an opportunity for participants to explore together how producers can support each other on questions of advocacy, information exchange, producer development and the creation & circulation of new works. 

Moderators

Fanny Martin, CIPA, Croatia
Jenny Vila, CIPA + Xarxa de Productores, Spain
Tammo Walter, produktionsbande, Germany
Sepehr Sharifzadeh, PADA, Belgium
Jo Crowley, 1927, United Kingdom

14:00-16:00
20

AREA: Burning Out by Burning In - or towards more fun and better advocacy for arts practice in rural areas

Location: Hall 3, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 3, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

The AREA network has been focussing on different methods of artists working in rural areas. In this working group, they will start sharing what ‘burning in’ means to rural communities, understanding the subjects that are important for the community, creating your own work space and building trust as part of a creation process. The circumstances we work in, cultural funds that have ‘urban’ conditions, missing infrastructure for artists and how to talk about climate change where populists have a majority in municipal government are all contributing factors for a good, deep, professional Burn Out.

This meeting aims to give support to artists to carry out their advocacy better, smarter and with more fun. We do that by analysing our questions, sharing experiences and learning from each other - an active working group session with a result.

The moderators are active members of the AREA network.

Moderators

Catherine Paskell, DIRTY PROTEST, United Kingdom
Hannah Lad, DIRTY PROTEST, United Kingdom
Henk Keizer, Creator, Denmark

14:00-16:00
20

Environmental Working Group

Location: River Park, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: River Park, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

The IETM Environmental Working Group aims to work towards a more sustainable and green future for the performing arts and make the arts sector a leading force in environmental processes.

This session will act as a space for sharing best practices and practical solutions for making the performing arts sector more environmentally friendly at every level.

Moderators

Pippa Bailey, Producer/Director, Australia

15:00-18:00
21

Sensory Theatre - Portal

Location: On the river towards the left side of the bridge, towards the mountains    Interested participants

Location: On the river towards the left side of the bridge, towards the mountains    Interested participants

AddressIvan Vazov District, 3 Petko Karavelov Blvd., SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility 
Language: English instructions, silent performance

This site specific performance will be located on a steep slope heading down to the river and is not accessible for people with limited mobility. The performance requires good walking shoes and comfortable clothes to enjoy the experience. The sensory experience requires silence, touch from the facilitator and contact with the water. It's a unique individual experience.

IF WATER IS A DOOR, A PORTAL… 

(and this may be true more literally than we can imagine yet…)

…then what lies on the other side - and have we already passed through? Indeed - who is the ‘water’?

Is it possible for the answers to these questions to be available not to THINKERS and their rational minds, but to EXPERIENCERS through their senses and intuition? And if so, would you become one of them?

PORTAL is an immersive sensory performance created by SENSORY THEATRE SOFIA, in a site-specific context of the river and the water park next to TOPLOCENTRALA. 

Duration: 30 min. Individual entrance is permitted every 10 minutes at the following time:

15:00
15:10
15:20
15:30
15:40
15:50
16:00
16:10
16:20 
16:30
16:40
16:50
17:00
17:10
17:20
17:30
17:40
17:50
18:00
18:10

Genre: Sensory theatre, site specific theatre 
Price: 20 лв. (€10)
Credits: Mihail Dimov, Zlatina Toleva, Sensory Theatre Sofia 
Max. number of participants: 20 per day 


Get in touch

Production contact Zlatina Toleva, PR Manager Global Vision Circle 

tel:(+359)0885 617 207 
[email protected]
globalvisioncircle.org

Status: Available for local versions and ready for touring 


How to book?

Tickets are available to purchase on the spot, in the Foyer at Toplocentrala. There will be a printed schedule and you can book your preferred time slot for June 12, 13 or 14, from 15:00 until 18:00. It’s a personal experience, so you can enter individually at your allocated time. The performance is limited to 20 people a day. 

Important: After you register at the Toplocentrala reception and receive a ticket with the exact entry time of your performance , please arrive at the location 10 minutes before to be able to enjoy the performance.

16:00-17:00
19

Sensing Earth: Cultural Quests Across a Heated Globe [Wednesday keynote]

Location: Hall 1, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 1, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

16:00 - 17:00 EEST | 14:00 - 15:00 BST | 15:00 - 16:00 EET | 15:00 - 16:00 CEST | 21:00 - 22:00 SGT | 22:00 - 23:00 JST/KST | 00:00 - 01:00 AEDT | 06:00 - 07:00 PST 

In his opening keynote, sociologist Pascal Gielen will direct our focus to a subject that threads through the tapestry of our professional and personal realms: the intricate entanglement of nature, culture and our mental condition.

The lecture will illuminate the cultural sector's ongoing conundrum — the imperative of cultural mobility for rich and authentic exchange versus the ecological footprint this mobility creates. As professionals in the arts, we grapple with this tension: the necessity of physical nearness to foster cultural dialogue stands in contrast to the pressing need for sustainability and environmental stewardship, while digital technology seems to fall short in each of these arenas.

In response to these dilemmas, Gielen proposes three aesthetic strategies that offer pathways toward reconciling these paradoxes. 

'Beautiful Thinking' which seeks to integrate the intuitive and the emotional with the intellectual, forming a holistic approach to our environmental and cultural crises. 

'Situational in-situ art' which emphasises profound engagement with local contexts, fostering art that emerges from and resonates with the specifics of place.

'Depth aesthetics' which encourages a dive into the underlying strata of our experiences, connecting with our ancestors and the historical, geological, and ecological layers that define our environmental cultures.

These strategies offer creative approaches to the tensions we face and form a call to action. They invite us to redefine our cultural practices, to seek solutions that honour our need for cultural proximity while respecting the ecological boundaries of our planet.

Speaker

Pascal Gielen, Professor of Sociology of Culture and Politics University of Antwerp, Belgium

Welcome by
Ása Richardsdóttir, IETM, Belgium
Veselin Dimov, Toplocentrala, Bulgaria
Vassil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia
Nayden Todorov, Minister of Culture Bulgaria

This session will be captioned and broadcasted online on Howlround.tv. Access the livestream on the day here

17:15-19:00
18

Welcome reception

Location: BAR STAGE Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: BAR STAGE Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility

Come and say hello to old friends and meet new ones as we gather to celebrate the start of IETM Sofia. We look forward to seeing you there!

18:00-18:30
21

TanTou - RE(W)RITE! - human specific performance

Location: Toplocentrala yard, near BAR STAGE Terrace     Interested participants

Location: Toplocentrala yard, near BAR STAGE Terrace     Interested participants

Address ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, Sofia | Event Map | Venue Accessibility 
Language: English

RE(W)RITE! is an immersive performance, a ritual space devoid of fictional elements, roles or characters, that takes the audience on an emotional, participatory, journey.
RE(W)RITE! invites its guests to a universe of silent, intimate and shared experiences.
Can we stretch the borders of intimacy, even in the encounter with perfect strangers?

Duration: 25 min.
Genre: Human specific performance 
Price: 20 лв. / €10

Credits:

Performers: Nullo Facchini, Maria Stoyanova
Art Direction and concept: Nullo Facchini


Get in touch

Production contact: www.tantou.dk
Status: Available for touring 


How to book?

Book a ticket and be at the BAR STAGE terrace 10 minutes before the scheduled time: 18:00 or 18:30. 

18:30-19:00
21

TanTou - RE(W)RITE! - human specific performance

Location: Toplocentrala yard, near BAR STAGE Terrace     Interested participants

Location: Toplocentrala yard, near BAR STAGE Terrace     Interested participants

Address ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, Sofia | Event Map | Venue Accessibility 
Language: English

RE(W)RITE! is an immersive performance, a ritual space devoid of fictional elements, roles or characters, that takes the audience on an emotional, participatory, journey.
RE(W)RITE! invites its guests to a universe of silent, intimate and shared experiences. 
Can we stretch the borders of intimacy, even in the encounter with perfect strangers?

Duration: 25 min.
Genre: Human specific performance 
Price: 20 лв. / €10

Credits:

Performers: Nullo Facchini, Maria Stoyanova
Art Direction and concept: Nullo Facchini


Get in touch

Production contact: www.tantou.dk
Status: Available for touring 


How to book?

Book a ticket and be at the BAR STAGE terrace 10 minutes before the scheduled time: 18:00 or 18:30. 

19:00-20:30
21

Brainstore project - Euphoria of sickness or crossing microscopic boundaries

Location: Hall 2, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 2, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility 
Language: English

The virus becomes the key to an artistic space where the boundaries between disease, understanding and human experience are blurred and transformed.

The Euphoria of Sickness performance delves into the deep subject of disease through the ‘body’ of one of the smallest yet most powerful pathogens known to mankind - the virus - to look at the most critical moment for any human: the encounter with contagion. The performance explores the multi-layered relationship between the host cell and the virus to present its abstract perspective on these minute - yet so essential - complexities intertwined in a common ‘dance’.

In Euphoria of Sickness, the virus is a metaphorical projection of a silent invader - like a tempter - of a force of nature that forms from attackers. The mechanisms of attack and spread of contagion are revealed through a series of fluid and dynamic scenes, highlighting the adaptability, resilience and unpredictability of the viral presence.

The performance goes beyond the literal, delving into the symbolic aspects of contagion and interweaving insights and intuitive experiences of encountering the unknown, creating a stage environment that reflects the complex relationships between humans and the virus. In it thrives the inevitable euphoria.

Watch the video trailer

Duration: 1 hour 30 min 
Genre: Theatre performance 
Price: 20 лв. / €10

CreditsWilly Prager, Iva Sveshtarova
Concept, direction and choreography: Iva Sveshtarova, Willy Prager
Performers: Ana Petkova, Zornitsa Stoyanova, Daniel Denev, Iva Sveshtarova, Willy Prager
Text and dramaturgy consultant: Anna Dankova
Music: Tsvetan Momchilov
Costumes: Pola Popova
Lighting object: Aleksander Lazarkov
Graphic design: Teodora Simova (“Lunohod” Studio)
Communications: Ina Doublekova, Kremena Hristova (A25 Cultural Foundation)
Producer: Brain Store Project


Get in touch

Status: Available for local versions and ready for touring. More info on the Brainstore Project website or Facebook page.


How to book?

Tickets are available for purchase through URBO APP. The discount is automatically applied through the affiliate link below.

Book your ticket 

  • After being redirected to the UrboApp for the selected show, you will have the option to change the language to English or your preferred language.
  • After selecting the date you wish to attend, click on  ‘buy now’. 
  • You will then be asked to select the number of tickets you wish to buy. Please note that the price is in BGN (Bulgarian Lev). 1 Bulgarian lev is approximately 50 euro cents.
  • To continue your purchase, the website will ask you to log in if you already have an existing account, register if you wish to create an account or register as a guest if you wish to proceed without any form of account or registration. 
  • Once you confirm by selecting buy and the preferred payment method, you will be taken to the payment page. The UrboApp accepts all major credit cards. 
  • Once the payment has been processed, you will be taken to a confirmation page and will receive a confirmation email.
19:00-23:00
21

Planetarium - Amazing journey to the solar system

Location: Planetarium, Toplocentrala     Interested participants

Location: Planetarium, Toplocentrala     Interested participants

Address ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, Sofia | Event Map | Venue Accessibility
Language: English

This immersive movie experience about space takes place every hour between 19:00-23:00.

Duration: up to 40 min
Genre: Immersive movie experience
Price: 10 лв. / €5

Credits: Sofia Planetarium


Get in touch

Contact: Sofia Planetarium
Status: Local, not available for touring


How to book?

You can purchase your tickets on the spot at the reception - no pre-booking required.

19:30-21:00
21

I AM Studio - What is Virginia Woolf Afraid Of?

Location: I AM Studio    Interested participants

Location: I AM Studio    Interested participants

Address149 "Georgi S. Rakovski" St., 1000 Sofia Center, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility 

Directed by Teya Sugareva, this original theatre piece explores the complexities of Virginia Woolf's life, positioning her as one of the foremost figures in modern literature. Set against the backdrop of turbulent wartime conditions, as the world stands on the precipice of impending catastrophe, Virginia Woolf confronts the limits of her own endurance. Struggling with deteriorating health and a restless mind, she finds herself unable to engage in her literary pursuits, culminating tragically in a final, fatal attempt at suicide.

What is Virginia Woolf Afraid Of? aims to reassess this profound act, revealing within it the inherent beauty of the human spirit and an unyielding thirst for life – genuine and unbridled, emancipated from society norms and personal fears. Furthermore, it endeavours to portray her death as a dignified and affirming claim of life.

Going beyond the confines of her erudite persona, the portrayal of Virginia Woolf unveils recollections of childhood comfort, the exuberance of youth and the poignancy of first love. Presenting her as a figure almost fragile and resilient, distant yet intimately relatable, as she struggles constantly with her inner demons, overcoming the limitations of perception with the profound insight of a true visionary.

Duration: 1 hour
Genre: Theatre
Price: 15 лв. / €7.50

Credits: 

Director: Teya Sugareva
Set designer: Nikol Trendafilova
Live music: Kristian Sugarev
Choreographer: Theodora Popova
Photos: Niki Litov
Graphic design: Yoana Yotova/Studio Dada
Performers: Alexandra Dimitrova, Camelia Khatib, Martin Dimitrov, Yordan Rusin


Get in touch

Production contact Small city theatre off the channel


How to book?

Tickets are available for purchase through I AM Studio ticketing platform. The discount is automatically applied through the affiliate link and will be available soon. The performance is limited to 30 tickets.

Book your ticket 

  • After being redirected to the IAMStudio website, you will have to use your desired browser settings to translate the page from Bulgarian to English or your preferred working language. Please note that you may need to translate the screen each time you are redirected.
  • Select the desired date and time for the performance underneath the credits of the performance, and select ‘buy’ to confirm the purchase.
  • The tickets will be added to your cart, which you can find in the top right corner of the screen. Please note that the price is in BGN (Bulgarian Lev). 1 Bulgarian Lev is approximately 50 euro cents.
  • After selecting ‘completion of the order’, you’ll be asked to provide your name, number and email address. Payments can be made with any major credit card. To confirm the payment, select ‘ordering’.
  • Once the payment has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.
19:30-01:00
18

Late night meeting point

Location: BAR STAGE Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: BAR STAGE Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Address: ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, Sofia | Event Map | Venue Accessibility

An informal moment to come back together, network, relax with colleagues and friends and meet new faces on the large terrace at Toplocentrala.

19:30-21:00
21

Yalta Art Room - The Maids by Jean Genet

Location: Yalta Art Room    Interested participants

Location: Yalta Art Room    Interested participants

Address20 Tzar Osvoboditel Bul.  | Event MapVenue Accessibility 
Language: Bulgarian with English subtitles

The Maids explores the need and longing for self-destruction, the brutality of loneliness, the nature of the erotic, how the spirit is being dominated, what subjugation is and the disintegration and consequent replacement of one’s identity. 

It depicts the characters' destructive attempts to find self-validation and questions whether one can retain their humanity, reason and spirit amidst erodent insufficiency. The Maids hurl us into the depths of human misery, where man and his reality are entangled in a labyrinth of delusion that makes playing and living synonymous. 

Madness is a last resort, logic serves feelings and heaven is no more.

Watch the video trailer

Duration: 1h20
Genre: Theatre
Price: 20 лв. / €10.5

Credits:

Director: Kristina Belomorska
Performers: Adelina Zhelyazkova, Eli Kiril Koleva and Zhana Rasheva
Translation: Valentin Marinov - Pello
Set and costume design: Nikol Trendafilova
Composer: David Kokonchev
Video: Ventsislav Todorov

The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Department ‘Theatre’. 
With the special support of Hei Lin.


Get in touch

Production contact Yalta Art Room


How to book?

Tickets are available for purchase through the ePayGO ticketing platform. The discount is automatically applied through the affiliate link below.

BOOK YOUR TICKET

  • After being redirected to EpayGo for the selected show, you will have the option to change the language to English
  • Select the number of tickets you wish to buy on the right side of the screen by using the up or down button. To confirm the selection, select ‘Continue’. Please note that the price is in BGN (Bulgarian Lev). 1 Bulgarian Lev is approximately 50 euro cents.
  • Select your preferred payment method:
    - By e-mail and paying via debit or credit card. You’ll be required to input your email. After payment, you will immediately receive your tickets by email. You can print them out or directly show the attachment at the entrance from your smartphone screen. 
    - By e-mail and paying via ePay.bg. You’ll be required to input your email. After payment, you will immediately receive your tickets by email. You can print them out or directly show the attachment at the entrance from your smartphone screen. 
    - By using ‘EasyPaycheckout and paying in cash at the venue. You can pay for and receive your reserved tickets at any EasyPay ticket office. The reservation is valid within 6 hours.
19:30-21:30
21

Derida Stage - Kvetch by Steven Berkoff

Location: Derida Stage    Interested participants

Location: Derida Stage    Interested participants

Address32 Tsar Samuil St. (Intersection of Bistritsa St. with Tsar Samuil St.)Event MapVenue Accessibility
Language: English 

We all live in the shadow of mortal fear…

of cancer, of AIDS, of unemployment, of impotence - fear of fear, of a forgotten line, from losing money, from making a lot of money, from going bald, getting fat, getting ugly, dumb, being stuck up, being shy, fear of failure, fear of making a bad impression, fear of the strong, of being weak, of being exposed, of being without a pension, without security, fear of ageing, fear of death, of war, of a car accident 

fear of blindness, of deafness, fear of not getting a joke, fear of rude people, fear of taking risks, fear of swimming, of jumping, of diving, obsessive fear of spiders, dark closets, knives, thieves, fear of people, parties, crowds, fear of smart people, fear of fools, fear of speaking up, fear of women, fear of men, fear of torture

…this play is dedicated to the fearful. 

Duration: 1h30m
Genre: Tragicomedy 
Price: 25 лв. / €12.50

Credits: 

Supported by the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture
Tragicomedy by Steven Berkoff

Translation: Madeleine Cholakova
Director: Jivko Jelyazkov
Sound and musical environment: Ivan Shopov
Lighting and technical implementation: Zlatimir Divchev
Photographervision: Nikolay Karasbev
Graphic designer: Maria Minkova
Production coordinator: Mira Georgieva
Producer: Atanas Maev
Actors: Daria Dimitrova, Martin Petkov, Teodor Kyоssev and Nikolina Harizanov


Get in touch

Production contact: DERIDA STAGE


How to book?

Tickets are available for purchase through ePayGO ticketing platform through the link below. The discount of 20% will be applied when enter a promo code WELCOME24

Book your ticket 

  • After being redirected to EpayGo for the selected show, you will have the option to change the language to English
  • Select the number of tickets you wish to buy on the right side of the screen by using the up or down button. To confirm the selection, select ‘Continue’. Please note that the price is in BGN (Bulgarian Lev). 1 Bulgarian Lev is approximately 50 euro cents.
  • Select your preferred payment method:
    - By e-mail and paying via debit or credit card. You’ll be required to input your email. After payment, you will immediately receive your tickets by email. You can print them out or directly show the attachment at the entrance from your smartphone screen. 
    - By e-mail and paying via ePay.bg. You’ll be required to input your email. After payment, you will immediately receive your tickets by email. You can print them out or directly show the attachment at the entrance from your smartphone screen. 
    - By using ‘EasyPaycheckout and paying in cash at the venue. You can pay for and receive your reserved tickets at any EasyPay ticket office. The reservation is valid within 6 hours.
21:00-21:30
21

United Cowboys - Speechless Speech

Location: Hall 1, Toplocentrala     Interested participants

Location: Hall 1, Toplocentrala     Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility
Language: English

Speechless Speech is a chapter from the monumental performance The New Piece. United Cowboys takes along their findings about (cultural) identity, about individuality and about generosity into a performance for and by four dancers.

Maarten van der Put and Pauline Roelants have both established their artistic signatures through their intrinsic expertise to channel the individual performer’s power and vulnerability. By merging four dancers with backgrounds in ballet, urban, modern dance and performative physicality respectively, United Cowboys is able to extract the best out of this unique composition.

Watch the video trailer

Duration: 30 min
Genre: Biotope
Price: 10 лв. / €5

Credits: 

Concept: Maarten van der Put and Pauline Roelants
Created with- and performed by: Conor Doherty, Eulàlia Bergadà Serra, Florencia Martina
Live camera: Maarten van der Put 
Live soundscapes: Pauline Roelants

In collaboration with Bulgarian performers: Vassilia Drebova, Marion Darova, Nathan Cooper.


Get in touch

Production contact Pauline Roelants
Status: Available for local versions and ready for touring


How to book?

Tickets are available for purchase through URBO APP via the link below. 

Book your ticket

  • After being redirected to the UrboApp for the selected show, you will have the option to change the language to English or your preferred language.
  • After selecting the date you wish to attend, click on  ‘buy now’. 
  • You will then be asked to select the number of tickets you wish to buy. Please note that the price is in BGN (Bulgarian Lev). 1 Bulgarian lev is approximately 50 euro cents.
  • To continue your purchase, the website will ask you to log in if you already have an existing account, register if you wish to create an account or register as a guest if you wish to proceed without any form of account or registration. 
  • Once you confirm by selecting buy and the preferred payment method, you will be taken to the payment page. The UrboApp accepts all major credit cards. 
  • Once the payment has been processed, you will be taken to a confirmation page and will receive a confirmation email.
21:30-23:00
21

VOX POPULI - Exhibits

Location: Alley 2, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Alley 2, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility 
Language: English

Exhibits is an outdoor theatrе installation in which viewers meet unique ‘exhibits’ in their personal bio-space of 1 sq.m. Exhibits reveals the strength, eccentricity and worldview of people deviating from the social standard. These are stories of real-life individuals, conveyed by the actors through verbatim earphone technique. 1 sq.m is our untouchable zone, an arm's length away, the small circle of attention and the limit of intimacy. The spectator and the actor enter into direct human contact, which can hardly happen in the theatre hall.

Genre: Verbatim theatre
Price: Free
Duration: 1 hour 30 min

Credits: 

Neda Sokolovska
Actors: Vasilia Drebowa, Mila Bancheva, Georgi Naldjiev, Jivko Gushterov, Bogdan Kazandjiev, Polo Ocone, Petko Kamenov, Simeon Bonchev, Petar Buliev, Stoyka Stefanova
Dramaturgydirecting: Neda Sokolovska


Get in touch

Production contact VOX POPULI 
Status: Available for local versions and ready for touring


How to book?

The spots where the artist is going to perform are located outside Toplocentrala, in the park alley. You can join and listen to a story at whichever time you like. No tickets required. 

22:00-22:20
21

New Circus - Fire show

Location: BAR STAGE Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: BAR STAGE Terrace, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Address ul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility
Language: English

Wild fireshow on the amazing terrace in the park. 

Duration: 20 min
Genre: Circus 
Price: Free 


Get in touch

Status: Available for local versions and ready for touring


How to book?

This performance is free of charge. Arrive at the terrace 10 minutes before the performance is due to start and enjoy the show with fire and music. 

22:30-23:59
21

Christian Bakalov - One-Two - Show 1 & 2

Location: Hall 1, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 1, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility
Language: English

Please note that this performance consists of two separate shows. You only need to book and pay for one show at either 22:30 or 00:15 via the booking link below.

breathing (inhale One - exhale Two).

The hyperventilation that the dancers are under the influence of at all the time makes their body movements sensitive, with heightened sensibility and devoid of theatricality or acting, referring to one of Marina Abramović's early works - ‘Rhythm 4’, 1974.

One Two is a breathing story about life, love, despair, pain, hope before death and dance as a way to go through them to make sense of them.

Time: First performance at 22:30 and second performance at 00:15
Duration: 40 min
Genre: Immersive dance performance
Price: 10 лв. / €5 per show

Credits: Christian Bakalov


Get in touch

Production contactChristian Bakalov
Status: Available for local versions and ready for touring


How to book?

Enter the URBO APP via the link below and select the date and time of the performance. You can select the first show at 22:25 or the second show at 00:15. This performance is limited to 25 people and is an immersive performance using infra-red cameras, requiring audience participation.

Book your tickets  

  • After being redirected to the UrboApp for the selected show, you will have the option to change the language to English or your preferred language.
  • After selecting the date you wish to attend, click on  ‘buy now’. 
  • You will then be asked to select the number of tickets you wish to buy. Please note that the price is in BGN (Bulgarian Lev). 1 Bulgarian lev is approximately 50 euro cents.
  • To continue your purchase, the website will ask you to log in if you already have an existing account, register if you wish to create an account or register as a guest if you wish to proceed without any form of account or registration. 
  • Once you confirm by selecting buy and the preferred payment method, you will be taken to the payment page. The UrboApp accepts all major credit cards. 
  • Once the payment has been processed, you will be taken to a confirmation page and will receive a confirmation email.
22:30-23:30
21

Storycatchers - BURN OFF

Location: Hall 2, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Location: Hall 2, Toplocentrala    Interested participants

Addressul. "Emil Berzinski" 5, 1408 Yuzhen, SofiaEvent MapVenue Accessibility
Language: English 

BURN OFF is an improvisational theatre in which Storycatchers will be hunting for your personal stories, feelings and complaints to become the web of scripts for an unique show.  

How do you cope with your life? 

Come to laugh and cry about it together.

Storycatchers is a theatre company focused on social art and playback theatre in the age of art and psychology rooted into the storytelling traditions of the ancients. 

Duration: 1 hour
Genre: Playback theatre performance
Price: Free

Credits: Alexander Eftimov, Ina Gerginova - Eftimova, Violona Vasileva, Martina Veleva, Alexander Chobanov, Yanitza Atanasova, Madlen Malenov, Konstantin Kuchev


Get in touch

Production contact Storycatchers
Status: Available for local versions and ready for touring


How to book?

This performance is free of charge and requires no pre-booking - just turn up!