Bulgarian National Theater

(full name, Ivan Vazov Bulgarian National Theater), the leading drama theater of Bulgaria. It was created in 1904 in Sofia from the Tears and Laughter drama troupe. The Bulgarian National Theater opened in 1907 in a new building designed by the architects F. Fel’ner and G. Khel’mer. From 1904 to 1912 it staged plays by I. Vazov A. Strashimirov, and other playwrights, and the actors V. Kirkov, I. Popov, and K. Sarafov among others performed there. Between 1912 and 1925 the theater was in a state of creative crisis. A large role in affirming realism was played by the work of N. Massalitinov, who headed the theater from 1925 to 1944. During this period, plays by national playwrights, as well as Russian plays and Western European classics, were staged. Among the actors who worked in the theater in the 1930’s were V. Trandafilov, Z. Iordanova, I. Dimov, N. Ikonomov, and O. Kircheva. A new upsurge in the theater’s activity occurred after popular rule was established. The theater’s company included the directors F. Filipov, S. Syrchadzhiev, N. Liutskanov, and M. Beniesh and a young generation of actors—A. Chaprazov, M. Duparinova, S. Getsov, M. Pavlova, L. Kabakchiev, S. Karalambov, and others. Plays depicting the life of the socialist country by K. Kiuliavkov, O. Vasilev, G. Karaslavov, and other playwrights were staged, as well as plays by Soviet playwrights. From 1952 to 1962 the theater bore the name of Krystiu Sarafov and since 1962, that of Ivan Vazov. The theater opened an affiliate in 1949 which bears the name of V. Kirkov. In 1954 the theater was awarded the Order of G. Dimitrov.