Almost a century after the drama “Albena” was written its heroine is among the most compelling female characters in Bulgarian drama classics. Albena is the object of common adoration for her beauty, vitality, freedom in her dealings with others. As if she carries something inside that everyone wants to have: she is as much as a real character as an imaginary one. However, it is only a matter of time from here to the fatal sinful step… And the terrible thing happens. What is the price of being different in a patriarchal society? Which is that instinct in the society causing it to offer sacrifice to maintain its established order?

The performance of the theatre master Krasimir Spasov casts new light on this landmark Bulgarian modern drama. Theatre critics have characterized it as “provocative and unexpected reading that not only takes us back to the vitality and dramatic tension of a rapidly developing Bulgaria rushing at modern world before the Second World War but sounds quite topical today as well.” (Literaturen Vestnik Weekly)