After the comedy “The Taming of the Shrew”, Stayko Murdjev puts on stage probably the most popular tragedy by Shakespeare. In his performance, we witness the story of Romeo and Juliet, however, it does not take place in romantic Verona of the 16th century, but in an ultra-modern, post-apocalyptic city. The two lovers fall into a beautiful carousel of passion, in a maelstrom of dreams and feelings in the context of the aggressive modern world.

Stayko Murdjev belongs to the new active generation of directors in Bulgarian theatre and has developed a recognisable style in his performances based on classic and modern drama put on stage in theatre houses in Sofia and other cities in Bulgaria. His work shows his aspiration for large-scale stage settings, his talent to work in an artistic manner and create electrifying action on stage. This has brought him wide recognition by both the critics and the audience. He has been awarded the “Icarus” award for debut in 2010, which was followed by a number of nominations and awards.

“Romeo and Juliet and the notion of this play are so trivialised, as is the topic about love itself. I believe we currently live in times where romantic love as a notion, as an argument or concept has been long devoid of meaning. I want this performance to remind us that the romantic feeling is not just plush hearts and teddy bears on Saint Valentine’s Day, but rather an inner mystery, which is intimate and purely human.” Stayko Murdjev, director