#StageWithoutBorders is a joint initiative of the International Programme of Ivan Vazov National Theatre, which Bulgaria’s foremost stage has been deliberately developing since 2022, and the well-established platform World Theatre in Sofia by the VIA FEST Foundation, which in 2025 is taking place for the 19th consecutive time as a part of the Calendar of Cultural Events of Sofia Municipality for 2025.
World drama, strong Bulgarian participation, and internationally acclaimed theatre makers will meet audiences in Varna this June. The Varna Summer International Theater Festival—the largest theatre event with an international scope in Bulgaria—has announced the programme for its 33rd edition. Ticket sales for the performances, which will take place at various Varna stages, have already begun.
We are delighted to announce that due to the overwhelming interest in the screening of “Vanya” with Andrew Scott’s incredible performance, we have been able to negotiate a third screening as part of World Theatre Sofia on 26 June at 7pm at the Cinema House. Tickets are now on sale at domnakinoto.com.
On 3rd June, just after 7 pm, you have the opportunity to watch online the performance “The Double Inconstancy” staged by Galin Stoev at ThéâtredelaCité in Toulouse, of which he is currently the artistic director. The show offers a contemporary interpretation of the classic comedy by French author Pierre de Marivaux and received prestigious nominations. On 4 June at 7 p.m., you can also start watching online the performance of “The Seagull” by A. P. Chekhov by the world-famous Lithuanian director Oskaras Koršunovas. The video recordings are with a free access for 72 hours on the territory of Bulgaria and are translated into Bulgarian. See more how you can watch them.
On 2 June, the 18th edition of the platform opened on the stage of the Theatre of Satire with the performance “Living the Dream with Grandma” by the Hungarian director and performer László Góndor. The next event is on 7 June, when the electrifying flamenco dancer Eduardo Guerrero will again step on the stage of the Theatre of Satire with “Lighthouse”. The programme continues until 9 July, and includes a screening of “Vanya” starring Andrew Scott (NT Live), performances by Timofey Kulyabin, Oskaras Koršunovas and a traditional 14th century Chinese opera. On 3 June at 7pm viafest.org will also launch the digital programme with online streaming of “The Double Inconstancy” by Pierre de Marivaux directed by Galin Stoev, a production of ThéâtredelaCité -Toulouse, France.
The 32nd Varna Summer International Theatre Festival opened with the production “Easter Wine” of “Ivan Vazov” National Theatre. Take a look at the opening ceremony with the participation of Tsvetana Maneva, chair of the board of Via Fest Foundation, organising the festival, Nayden Todorov, Minister of Culture, Blagomir Kotsev, Mayor of the Municipality of Varna, Iriney Konstantinov, chair of Bulgarian Theatre Association, Daniela Dimova, director of Theatre and Music Production Centre – Varna, Veselina Mikhalkova, artistic director of Drama Theatre – Varna, and the festival director Nikolay Iordanov.
Twenty-nine productions will be shown live, on-screen and online between June 1 and 15 in the city of Varna
On the day of Varna, August 15, at an official ceremony in the Open Air Theatre were awarded the new honorary citizens of the sea capital. Tsvetana Maneva was awarded with the highest distinction of the city by the decision of the Municipal Council for her significant contribution to the theatrical life of Varna with her long-standing work for the Varna Summer International Theatre Festival and for her brilliant roles in cinema and for the stage.
The musical theatre performance “The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer” starring the inimitable John Malkovich and opera singers Chen Reiss and Susanne Langbein won the audience of the International Theatre Festival and the International Music Festival Varna Summer with high class and an unusual form.
The festival continues on the internet with online streaming of selected international theatre performances and a special guest appearance on 23 July of the musical theatre production “Infernal Comedy” starring John Malkovich.
