The Inspiring Journey of Anastasia Dimitrova with Theatre in Palm and Beyond

Passionate, bold, and endlessly creative—Anastasia “Nana” Dimitrova is a name making waves in the world of theatre. She is known as a director and performer, currently being the Artistic Director of NDNA Productions, an innovative Sofia-based organization specializing in English-language theatre, experimental works, and movement-based productions.

Currently, Nana is directing and performing in two ongoing productions—”No Exit” by Jean-Paul Sartre and “Drowning Ophelia” by Rachel Luann Strayer. Her talent and passion have also led her to taking part in the international team of Ivan Vazov National Theatre, where she recently worked alongside John Malkovich as an assistant director for “Arms and the Man”. But that’s not all—Nana is also serving as a board member of the Cabinet of Curiosities, a newly founded cultural space in Sofia. And with NDNA Productions preparing for an exciting new project set to premiere in autumn 2025, her creative journey is only gaining momentum.

For Nana, theatre is a lifelong love affair. As she described her powerful bond with theatre: “I’ve grown up with it, and I hope to grow old with it.”

In this interview, Nana shares her experience with “Theatre in Palm” project and her memories from a Hybrid Residency in November 2023 where she participated in cooperation with OECON Group Bulgaria.

It’s been almost a year and a half since the Theatre in Palm hybrid residency that you participated in. What has changed in your work since then, and how does it feel looking back on that experience now?

The Theatre in Palm experience was truly wonderful. Three NDNA members attended: myself and two actors. The hybrid residency model was something new for all of us, offering exciting opportunities to collaborate with amazing artists in Cyprus and across Europe. We’ve incorporated several practices from the residency, including exercises focusing on concentration and connection, into our regular artistic process. The hybrid residency model and our positive experience also inspired us to explore hosting similar international residencies in the new cultural space I mentioned.

What’s the first memory that comes to mind when you think about the residency? Any funny or unexpected moments?

One of the exercises led by our mentor, Mariana, immediately comes to mind. She guided us through an exercise emphasizing eye contact and non-verbal communication, which unexpectedly left everyone deeply emotional, with most of us in tears.

What was the most inspiring or eye-opening part of the residency for you? A particular event or a person that left a lasting impression?

Definitely our mentor, Maryana Kozak, and her unique approach. Her emphasis on exploration, playfulness, and enjoying the creative process rather than obsessing over the final product deeply influenced me. Since then, I’ve tried to consciously shif my focus towards appreciating and prioritizing the rehearsal process itself.

The residency was a mix of in-person and digital collaboration – how did that impact your creative process?

The hybrid format was certainly intriguing. I appreciated getting to know the other artists digitally before meeting in person. Though the format presented certain logistical challenges, it effectively fostered a longer connection between participants, enriching our physical collaboration later on.

How did Theatre in Palm influence your artistic path and projects after the residency?

The residency significantly shaped my rehearsal approach, making me more process-oriented rather than solely result-driven. It enhanced our artistic practice by introducing new warm-up and preparation methods and deepening our understanding of physical expression. Moreover, collaborating with artists from Romania and interacting digitally with others from all around expanded our perspectives, introducing us to diverse cultural influences and their particular artistic practices.

What’s something you learned during the residency that you have applied to your work by now or want to apply in the future?

The huge influence of the atmosphere in the rehearsal room on the process and final outcome alike. It’s something intuitively understood, but witnessing it in action during the residency was very impactful. We’ve got our mentor, Maryana Kozak, to thank for demonstrating this so vividly.

If you could give advice to yourself from 1,5 years ago before you took part in the residency, what would it be?

Don’t hesitate, go for it. Our team initially had a number of hesitations about joining the residency, but looking back, they were completely unnecessary.

In one word or a short phrase, how would you sum up your experience with Theatre in Palm?

Theatre without borders.

Photos: Anastasia Dimitrova, NDNA Productions