There are two trends of development in contemporary Bulgarian scenography. One is based on stage illusionism, the other on decorative symbolism and constructive stylization with a number of intermediate stages. Stage illusionism started in the Bulgarian theatre in the seventies of the last century and reached its peak in the work of painter A. Milenkov. The modern scenographic concepts began to enforce themselves only in the twenties but in the following ten years they achieved already notable success. The creators of modern stagecraft include painters I. Penkov, artist of merit, P. Georgiev, I. Milev, A. Popov, artist of merit, professor G. Karakaschev, artist of merit, Neva Tucuzova and Nikola Tucuzov, P. Kartchovski, E. Vachtenko. After 1944 when the socialist revolution took place in Bulgaria, the conception came to its realization. Particularly in the first period of the new development from 1944 to 1949 when Bulgarian stage designing and all the above mentioned artists actively shared in the construction work. In the second phase from 1948 to 1954, a new wave of illusionism governed the Bulgarian stage, penetrating also the work of scenographers even though it always remained essentially alien to it. Illusionist dekor was considered to be the only possible form of realism. This misconception was overcome with the rise of new talented scenographers such as Ruskov, Mar. Popova, V. Naslednikova, Micha Popova, M. Netcheva, A. Mitev, M. Mikhailov, Sv. Nedeltcheva, K. Nedeltchev, G. Nojarov, J. Avdalla, T. Dimitrov, St. Savov, arch. I. Conev and others. The third period is characterized by a strengthening of scenic conventions of the realistic process. Bulgarian stage design followed the creative pattern of the modern world theatre. Young Bulgarian artists actively shared in this modernization. Parallelly with the older generation they returned to the new solution of problems of stage space, to the decorative interpretation and expression through shapes, colours and lights, to the use of symbols searching for possibilities to increase the dynamics of the stage. The problem of characteristic traits of a national scenography came to the forefront. A general interest in original stage design and in technical problems of the stage took shape. This interest found its philosophical and scenic motivation in the „sincere theatre". During this creative search stage designers of the young generation such as K. Radev, A. Stoichev, S. Genov, M. Mladenov, G. Ivanov, T. Stanilov, D. Petrov, Ch. Todorov came to the forefront.
- Jacques Avdalla
Additional information: Born 1927 in Constantinople, Turkey. In 1954 graduated from the School ol Stage Design of prof. I. Penkov, in 1954-1962 he worked for the drama and opera company of the Theatre in Ruse. Since 1962 he is the chief designer of Bulgarian circuses.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: ( The Story of a True Man),
Narodna opera
1963
- Lilian Angelova
Additional information: Born 1923 in Sofia. Graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts (scenography) in 1958. Since 1959 she is working in the Central Puppet Theatre in Sofia, cooperates with Bulgarian télévision and Jugoslav puppet iheatres.
Obrázky z katalogu
- Ivan Conev
Additional information: Born in 1928 in Shumen. Since 1961 he has been the stage designer of the Central Puppet Theatre in Sofia. He exhibited at the PQ in 1967, 1971 and in 1979.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Souvenir of a Suburb ),
Centralen kuklen teatár
1966
-
: (Watchmaker ),
Centralen kuklen teatár
1965
- Radostin Čomakov
Additional information: Born in 1937 in Karnobat. In 1965 he graduated from the Nikolay Pavlovich Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia, where he studied stage design under Prof.G.Karakashev. From 1966 he collaborated with the Animation and Puppet Film Studio
and from 1967 works as a designer in Bulgarian Television, where up to date he has produced 16 sets. He is also the designer of stage sets for drama and opera productions. He has participated in national and international
exhibitions, as well as in the Prague Quadrennial in 1967, at the Bulgarian National Exhibition.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Richard III ),
Dramatičen teatár Pozardžik
1965
- Anton Gukov
Additional information: Born 1934 at Bardarski guéran. Studied the branch of stage design at the Academy of Plastic and Graphic Arts in Sofia. He acts as scenic designer of the Dramatic Theatre at Stara Zagora. He has created settings for the theatres at Provadia, Gabrovo, Vidin and Vratza. He took part in several national festivals of Bulgarian drama and theatre, and has been awarded there prizes in the line of stage design. He participated in the Prague Quadrennial 1967, and took part in the exhibition of Bulgarian stage and costume design in Moscow in the year 1969.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Ivanko),
Dramatičen teatár Vraca
(Dramatic Theatre),
1966
- Ivan Jordanov
Additional information: Born in 1924 in Kyustendil. Works as a stage designer at the Ivan Vazov National Academie Theatre in Sofia. Exhibited at the PQ in 1967, 1975 and in 1979.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (There is no 100 Truth),
0
- Kiril Nedelčev
Additional information: Born in 1921 in Shumen. Since 1951 he has been the stage designer of the Ivan Vazov National Academie Theatre in Sofia. He has exhibited at the PQ in 1967, 1975 and in 1979.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (The First Blow),
Naroden teatár
1964
- Georgij Karakašev
Additional information: Born 1899 in Ruse. Professor, Artist of Merit, Laureate of the Dimitrov Prize. Graduated in 1932 from the Academy of Art and in 1945-1947 worked for the National Theatre in Ruse, later for the Youth Theatre in Sofia. In 1951 he became the stage designer of the National Theatre in Sofia and in 1955 professor of stage design at the Academy of Fine Arts. In 1942 he won the prize of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and in 1959 the Dimitrov prize for works exhibited at the National Festival of Drama and the Theatre, namely for his sets for the play Leipzig 33. He is the author of over 250 stage designs.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (A Page of the Past ),
Naroden teatár Ivan Vazov
(National theatre ),
1964
-
: (The Mourners ),
Dramatičen teatár
(Dramatic Theatre),
1963
-
: (Misunderstood Civilization),
Dramatičen teatár
(Dramatic Theatre),
1958
-
: (Even a Wise Man),
Naroden teatár Ivan Vazov
(National Theatre ),
1961
- Jana Karaslavova
Additional information: Born 1941 in Sofia. Studied at the School of Art and at the School of Stage Design of prof. G. Karakachev at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia until 1965. At present she is working for the new theatre of drama Laughter and Tears in Sofia.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Romeo and Juliet ),
Opera
1966
-
: (The Bed Bug ),
teatár VITIZ
(Theatre "VIZIT"),
1967
-
: (The City of Masters),
Naroden teatár na mladežta
1966
- Milka Načeva
Additional information: Born 1925 in Sofia. In 1948 she graduated from the School of Stage Design of prof. I. Penkov at the Academy of Fine Arts. From 1948-1953 she worked as stage designer of the Central Puppet Theatre and the Studio of Puppet Films. At present she is working for Bulgarian Films. She has won the gold medal of the Festival at Cannes and the Golden Rose of the Festival of Varna for her puppet films Parade, The Guitar and the Horn and The Boy with the Scissors.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Antigone ),
Teatár trudov front
1964
- Venera Naslednikova
Additional information: Born in 1920 in Rayanovice. Until 1943 she studied in Berlin. During the years 1945-1971 she lectured on the history of costumes in the Stage Designing Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia. At present she works in the I. Vazov National Theatre in Sofia. She has designed more than 200 stage sets and costumes for drama and opera productions, as well as for films. She has also worked as a guest designer in the USSR. She has participated in national Bulgarian, as well as international exhibitions and in the Prague Quadrennials in 1967 and 1971. She is the author of folio book on
Bulgarian Folk Costumes and Embroidery and books on the history of clothes and the history of Bulgarian costumes. She is a laureate of the State Prize.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Richard III),
Naroden teatár na mladežta Sofia
1964
-
: (Ivan Chichman ),
Naroden teatár Ivan Vazov
1961
- Nikolaj Nikolov
Additional information: Born in 1933 in Sliven. He studied stage design under prof. G. Karakashev at the Nikolay Pavlovich Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia. He has created stage designs for the Drama Theatres in Vratsa and Silistra, for the Stanko Dimitrov Theatre and other theatres. Among his most important work we should like to mention the designs for the opera The Mastera and the costumes for the film Ivan Shishman. He has designed more than 20 sets for television productions and has also worked in the Soviet Union. He took part in the Prague Quadrennials in 1967 and 1971, in the first Triennial of stage and costume designs in Novi Sad in 1966, in the National Stage Design Exhibition and the Bulgarian Stage Design Exhibitions in Moscow. He was awarded the prize of the National Festival of Bulgarian Theatre and Drama in 1959 and 1964 for his stage sets for the play The Misunderstood Civilization and Across the Globe. He is chief of the Cabinet of Stage Design of the Union of Bulgarian Artists. At present he is a professor at the Nikolay Pavlovich Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Around the Globe),
Dramatičen teatár
1964
-
: (Rest at Areo Iris),
Dramatičen teatár
1964
- Georgij Nožarov
Additional information: Born 1926 in Sofia, graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts, prof. I. Penkov's school in 1951. He has worked for the theatres in Blagoevgrad, Sofia (People's Army Theatre), Pernik and Varna.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (The Imaginary Invalid ),
Dramatičen Teatár
1966
-
: (Around the World in 80 Days ),
Dramatičen teatár
1966
-
: (Wedding Day ),
Dramatičen teatár
1966
- Dobromir Petrov
Additional information: Born in 1930 in Tolbukhin. Works at the Drama Theatre in Pernik. Exhibited at the PQ in 1967, 1971, 1975 and in 1979.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Meteorological Station ),
Dramatičen teatár
1966
-
: (The Dragon ),
Dramatičen teatár
1965
-
: (The Widow of Venice),
Dramatičen teatár
1964
- Asen Popov
Additional information: Artist of Merit, Laureate of the Dimitrov Prize, born 1895 in Pordim. Graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia and studied painting in Petrograd in 1912. He worked for the National Theatre of Sofia and in 1950-1963 he was the chief designer of the Sofia Opera. He also worked in Jugoslavia as stage designer. He is the author of over 400 stage designs.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (War and Peace ),
Narodna opera
1958
-
: (Orpheus),
Narodna opera
1958
-
: (Towards Destruction ),
Naroden Teatár Ivan Vazov
1958
- Lili Popova
Additional information: Born 1931 at Lom. Studied the branch of scenic design at the Academy of Plastic and Graphic Arts in Sofia. She has created décors for the theatres at Tolboukhine, Blagoevgrad and Roussé. At present the is at work at the Union of Bulgarian Painters. She took part in the Prague Quadrennial 1967.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Ivan Chichman),
Dramatičen teatár
1962
- Mariana Popova
Additional information: Born 1914 in Munich. In 1947 she graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts, the School of Stage Design of prof. I. Penkov in Sofia. She then worked for the Sofia Theatre for Young People. At present she is working for the Music Theatre in Sofia and teaches stage design at the School of Drama in Sofia. She also designs sets for Armenian theatres.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Don Juan ),
Opera
1964
-
: (Barber of Seville),
Opera
1961
- Míša Popova
Additional information: Born in 1906 in Tarnovo. She studied under prof. Ouzounov at the Nikolay Pavlovich Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia. After graduating in 1938 she studied in France. She has created numerous stage designs for theatres in Pleven, Burgas, Varna, Ruse, Kaskovo and for the People's Army Theatre in Sofia. She took part in the Prague Quadrennial in 1967 and 1971 and almost every Bulgarian National Stage Design and Painting Exhibitions, as well exhibition held abroad. She is an Artist of Merit. She was awarded the Cyril and Methodus Medal I and II Class and the Medal commemorating the 25th Anniversary of People's Democratic Bulgaria. She has designed more than 120 stage sets.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Theresia's Birthday ),
Rabotničeski teatár
1964
- Konstantin Radev
Additional information: Born in 1933 in Sofia. Since 1982 he works for the Ludmila Zhivkova Youth Theatre in Sofia. He exhibited at the PQ in 1967, 1971, 1975 and in 1979.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Semjon Kotko ),
Opera
1965
-
: (Carmen),
Opera
1964
-
: (The Fair of Sorotchin ),
Opera
1967
- Jevgenija Rajeva Borsova
Additional information: Born 1941. Completed her studies of painting at the School of Art in 1959 and the Aca¬ demy of Fine Arts in 1965, having studied under prof. G. Karakachev. She won first prize at the National Festival of Drama. Since 1967 she works for Bulgarian télévision.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Ivan Shishman),
Dramatičen teatár
1965
- Peťar Ruskov
Additional information: Born 1920 at Stara Zagora. Studied the branch of scenic design at the Academy of Plastic and Graphic Arts in Sofia. Since 1946 he has been acting as scenic designer of the Opera at Stara Zagora. He took part in national exhibitions of scenography and In the Prague Quadrennial 1967. He has been awarded the Cyrille and Méthode Medal, lst grade, the Medal of the 25th Anniversary of People' s Democracy in Bulgaria, and the Gold Medal for stage and costume design in the year 1969.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
- Stefan Savov
Additional information: Born in 1924. Works as a stage designer at the Satire Theatre in Sofia. Exhibited at the PQ in 1967, 1971 and in 1979.
Obrázky z katalogu
- Emil Kostov Stefanov (Emil Stefanov)
Additional information: Born 1929 at Lom. Studied the branch of scenic design at the Academy of Plastic and Graphic Arts in Sofia; at present he acts there as assistant. He has taken part In the Prague Quadrennial 1967, in exhibitions of stage and costume design referring to domestic operatic and dramatic theatres.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Servant of Two Masters),
Teatár na transporta
1966
- Asen Stojčev
Additional information: Born in 1932 in Ruse. Works as a stage designer at the Tears and Laughter Theatre in Sofia. Since 1972 a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts. Exhibited at the PQ in 1987, 1975 and in 1979.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (A Beautiful Day for Banana Fish ),
Teatár Smjach i slza
1966
-
: (Esme, with Love and Filth ),
Teatár Smjach i slza
1966
- Christo Todorov
Additional information: Born 1935 at Jeravna. He studied at the School of Stage Design of prof. Karakachev at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia. He has been working for Bulgarian télévision since 1966. In 1966 and 1967 he has participated in the National Exhibitions of Fine Art in Sofia.
Obrázky z katalogu
Exhibiting works
-
: (Baj Gaňo ),
TV
1963
-
: (Bulgarians of Old Times),
TV
1965
-
: (Recruit X ),
TV
1965
- Ivan Ikonomov
Additional information: Born 1926 in Sofia. Studied the branch of scenic design at the Academy of Plastic and Graphic Arts in Sofia. At present he is at work for the Bulgarian review The Theatre. He has taken part in all national exhibitions of scenography and plastic and graphic arts, in the Bulgarian exposition of stage and costume design in Moscow in the year 1969, and in the Prague Quadriennal 1967. He has published a series of articles on scenic desing in reviews and periodicals. He has been awarded several prizes on occasion of various exhibitions and national festivals referring to the Bulgarian drama and theatre.
Exhibiting works
-
: (Oh How Many Poppys),
0
-
: (Katerina Izmailova),
0
-
: (The Boat in the Forest),
0
- Michail Michajlov (Michail Michajlov)
Additional information: Born in 1925 in Sofia. In 1951 he graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied under prof. Ivan Penkov. At present he works for the National Youth Theatre in Sofia. He has designed stage sets for numerous drama and opera productions, as well as for films. He has been a guest designer in theatres in Romania, the Soviet Union, Poland and the German Democratic Republic. He has participated in national Bulgarian exhibitions both at home and abroad, as well as in the Prague Quadrennial in 1971. He is a laureate of the State Prize.
Exhibiting works
-
: (Romeo and Juliet),
0
-
: (The Optimistic Tragedy),
0
