Tensions outside the National Theater before the premiere of Bernard Shaw's play “Arms and the Man”, directed by Hollywood legend John Malkovich, after as the crowd tried to storm the entrance. It caused polar reactions in our country. There is an increased police presence in front of the theater, and spectators are checked with metal detectors.
Before the premiere in the National Theater "Ivan Vazov" physical confrontations ensued. Tensions escalated after many grumbled against the plot of the comedy. Protesters began to gather before 5:00 p.m., and almost an hour later they threatened to block the entrance to the theater. The director of the theater, Vasil Vassilev, barely reached the door because the protesters pushed him. They also released smoke in front of the entrance, where there are already people with tickets who want to watch the premiere.
Protesters chanted: "Resign", "Garbage". Several people broke into the building of the National Theater, but were chased away by the police.
"We have no differences with the people who will be in front. The only difference with them is that they don't know the text, they haven't read the play, and we don't allow censorship to be imputed in our country," explained the director of the National Theater, Vasil Vassilev.
The protestors said that Malkovich's play was a mockery of national and Christian values, and Vasil Vassilev allowed it to be performed on stage.
In the words of some of the protesters, the director belongs to the people, and "not to a criminal". and called to come inside.
Several organizations say they want to express “their strong opposition to the performance of a play which they say distorts our history, insults the dignity and memory of our national heroes”.
John Malkovich himself stated a few days ago that he does not know Bulgarian and cannot fully understand what the problem is.
Unofficial sources claim that there are provocateurs who have bought tickets for the performance, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.