Mystical legends reborn: A journey through time at the Sofia residency
How great is that to see an ethnic myth recreated on a stage? How much greater is it to recreate it yourself, immersing those around you in a mystical tale about people who lived long ago, faced fear and sorrow, and turned them into wonders of nature?
From October 28th to November 10th, 2024, Sofia became a vibrant hub of creativity and collaboration under the aegis of OECON Group Bulgaria. Five dynamic creatives from across Europe – each with their own unique artistic vision – gathered in the city to explore, learn, and reimagine through intensive workshops, rehearsals, and cultural exchanges. Guided by the acclaimed Bulgarian actress and director Boryana Puncheva and her assistant Nikola Yordanov, an emerging actor and final-year student at the National Academy of Film and Theatre Arts, these artists embraced the challenge of translating an ancient Bulgarian legend into a contemporary, transformative performance.
The play they created is more than just a retelling of a myth; it is an abstract, introspective exploration of human resilience. Drawing upon their diverse backgrounds and the rich cultural tapestry of Bulgaria, the artists delved into the very essence of the legend. They immersed themselves in the mystical atmosphere of Sofia, even learning traditional Bulgarian dances that added an authentic, rhythmic pulse to the narrative. Their process was a fusion of rigorous artistic discipline and spontaneous creative exploration – a journey that transformed both their work and their understanding of the myth.
On November 8th, under the enchanting evening skies at the “Kafeza” playground in Hippodrome Park, Sofia, the performance was unveiled to an eager audience. With creative stage lighting and a performance that felt almost otherworldly, the play shed new light on the timeless drama of being human. It captured the raw interplay between fear and beauty, sorrow and wonder, revealing that the ancient struggles of the past are not so different from our own. The performance became a powerful statement about transformation – an invitation to see the human condition through the lens of myth and magic.
This residency proved to be a transformative experience for all involved. It was a fertile ground where artistic ideas sprouted and blossomed, where every dance step, every carefully crafted movement, and every whispered line of dialogue carried the weight of centuries.
Watch the cinematic video of the performance here: The Sun and the Woman: Creation of the Seven Rila Lakes | Theatre in Palm Project – YouTube
Article by Niya Andonova, Viola Rodionova
