STORY: :: A play directed by John Malkovich sparks protests in Bulgaria
:: Sofia, Bulgaria
:: November 7, 2024
:: John Malkovich, Director and actor
"It's quite an odd reaction but... it's a strange time in the world I think, more and more people love to censor things they don't agree with and I have interest in censoring the people protesting, that's their business really, it's not my business. My business is, in this case, to direct plays."
:: Protesters were angry with the way Bulgarians are portrayed in 'Arms and the Man'
One hour before the opening of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and The Man on Thursday evening, protesters started gathering in front of the theater, Nova TV reported on its website.
They held a big banner reading: "Without anti-Bulgarian plays at the National Theatre." Protesters threw garbage bags, spat and physically attacked Oscar-nominated animator Theodore Ushev as he tried to enter the theater, Nova TV reported.
Some protesters attempted to force their way into the building but were pushed back by security, Bulgarian media said. To avoid further clashes, the theater management only allowed a few journalists inside to watch the performance.
The play is a comedy featuring a love story during a conflict between Bulgaria and Serbia. Critics in Bulgaria say Shaw presents the Bulgarian soldiers as cowardly and unworthy, and Bulgarians as people who bathe once in their lives and don't read, Nova TV reported.
