Our diplomatic mission in Paris (1 Avenue Rapp, 75007 Paris) will host one of the most shocking performances of the last year. Staged by Cassiel Noah Asher and "Theater 199", written by our great poet Valeri Petrov, the play "Theater, My Love" will also be presented to the Bulgarian audience in Paris. There are several occasions for this to happen and for the spotlights to illuminate the actresses taking over the stage, but we will find out about this from the organizers Ivo Zhelev and Adriana Teofanova themselves. We will also find out what the spirit of this play is actually by asking the actresses themselves, and all viewers in Paris will be able to ask more questions at the specially organized open meeting after the performance.
Hello, Ivo and Adi! First of all, we would like to congratulate you on the successful campaign, the result of which was the presentation of the play "Theater, My Love" in Paris on July 1st . Can you tell us what your motive is for showing this work to the Bulgarian audience in one of the most cultural centers in the world and why you chose it?
Adriana and I chose this show after we had seen it on December 26 in Sofia, during the annual holiday return to our relatives in Bulgaria. In the hall of "Theater 199" and the day after Christmas, we realized that one thing connects us with the team of the show - the common love of theater. This love is shared by everyone: from the author of the play to the technical services of the theater. Without such an attitude, theater is unthinkable. We chose to support this show and organize its visit here because it is special. Because the actresses have something to say to the audience - in a confused time, on issues that are important, in a time when it is very difficult for a person to match priorities with their feelings. We chose this show because it is built on a common language for us. A language - reduced and, unfortunately, recently lost even by the official media, where it belongs. Not to mention that it has long been missing from our daily virtual communication.
This is the Bulgarian literary language!
We want to show and remind that our native language is melodic and poetic. The text by Valeri Petrov was written in 1981, especially for the great actresses Tanya Masalitinova and Slavka Slavova. Time is proof of its durability. Yes! As members of a multicultural Europe, we can say that it is not the only language in which we can communicate, but it is the only language in which we express ourselves best. In this language, we are not guests, but hosts. Unfortunately, our significant theatrical achievements cannot easily cross state borders, be it because of the different cultural context or technical and financial limitations. We accepted the challenge nevertheless, because it is worth it and because we know that with the audience we have a common theme that affects us all. This is the multifaceted theme of love – love for the closest people and love for what you do. We are organizing this performance for something else as well. We want to remind that Bulgarians are a rich people. This wealth, contrary to expectations, does not come from politics, nor will it come with our better developed economy. Our wealth comes from the most underestimated place – culture. To tip the scales in our favor, we are organizing an event that will be a celebration for all of us and our guests.
Is there anything special you have prepared for the guests?
There are things that are only understood in the theater. This was exactly the idea of Valeri Petrov when he wrote this revelation in poetic form. He shows readers and viewers how, through the prism of different characters and frank human relationships, people complement and understand each other. In this case, we are talking about 4 different incarnations of the Actress. This experiment can be presented to us in a high-level aspect only by actresses who have complete trust in each other, are closer than relatives and have known each other well for decades. Such is the case with Cassiel Noah Asher, Krasimira Kuzmanova, Lilia Maravilha and Stefka Yanorova. The magic between them is not accidental – they have known each other since their student years (from Krikor Azaryan's class) and continue their contacts off stage. Here are our questions to them, but the real ones that will introduce you to the world of love and theater.
Cassiel, why did this drama impress you so much that you presented it on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of "Theater 199"? What in the plot would touch people the most while watching it?
Cassiel Noah Asher
"Theater, My Love!" was written by the unforgettable Valeri Petrov based on real events from the acting lives of two exceptional women, Tanya Masalitinova and Slavka Slavova. The play has been performed for over 10 years to packed halls and has been a huge success. A mythical, cult performance! On the other hand, I have dreamed of staging this text for many years, because it explodes the senses with sincerity, merciless romance, uncompromising frankness and at the same time a high sense of humor and self-irony. Somehow Valeri Petrov's style itself is timeless modern and suitable for aerobatics in acting and improvisation. This extreme challenge, to tell at the same time about the lower and sacred nature of the Artist, provoked me to realize it… And not with just anyone, but with girls, fellow students, friends, competition, with whom I took my first steps in this great profession… This was a difficult choice for me, in which the danger of pitfalls was enormous… After all, such a kind of closeness also implies a great knowledge of each other, which is not always pleasant… But thank God, the trust, ethics, inspiration of each of us – provoked by the other three – prevailed and now we participate in a huge, mutual pleasure on stage. The director of “Theater 199” – Anna Monova, also plays a significant role in the realization of “Theater, My Love!”, as does our entire loyal technical team there. For which I thank them with all my heart! We gave ourselves something like a fateful gift in the middle of our acting journey…
~ Director and Adaptation / Cassiel Noah Asher
Lilia Maravilla
What is the image of your role and what would you emphasize in it?
~ Lilia Maravilla
Krasimira Kuzmanova
What does it feel like to be on the same stage together?
"It's so nice to be on stage with partners you speak the same language with, who are so powerful, and at the same time fragile, vulnerable, but most of all, they know why they're going on stage and honestly fight for their place there."
Stefka Yanorova
Is it possible to describe the vibe of this performance in one word?
"Trust!"
~ Stefka Yanorova
Awards:
"Icarus" Ceremony 2016 photo: Bobi Toshev
- KASIEEL NOAH ASHER, KRASIMIRA KUZMANOVA, LILIA MARAVILYA, STEFKA YANOROVA – Award for Female Role at the National Festival of Small Theater Forms – Vratsa 2016.
- KRASIMIRA SERAFIMOVA – Award for the stage environment of the National Festival of Small Theater Forms – Vratsa 2016.
- KASIEEL NOAH ASHER, KRASIMIRA KUZMANOVA, LILIA MARAVILYA, STEFKA YANOROVA – Award for female role at the International Festival “Drumevi Theater Holidays – New Bulgarian Drama” – Shumen 2016.
- CASIEL NOAH ASHER, KRASIMIRA KUZMANOVA, LILIA MARAVILYA, STEFKA YANOROVA – Ikar Award 2016, for supporting actress;
- EMILIAN GATSOV – Nomination "Ikar" 2016, for music.
