Sofia: The premiere of Arms and The Man, directed by John Malkovich, faced significant backlash in Bulgaria as protesters gathered outside Sofia’s National Theatre, objecting to perceived anti-Bulgarian sentiments in the 19th-century play. The performance was staged before an almost empty auditorium after demonstrators hindered audience members from entering, according to Nova TV.
One hour before Thursday evening’s premiere, protesters gathered outside the theatre, holding a large banner that read, “No Anti-Bulgarian Plays at the National Theatre”. Demonstrators reportedly threw garbage bags, spat, and physically confronted Oscar-nominated animator Theodore Ushev as he attempted to enter, Nova TV reported. Some protesters tried to force their way into the building but were restrained by security. In response to the escalating tensions, theatre management restricted access, allowing only a limited number of journalists to watch the performance.
The play, a comedy by George Bernard Shaw, unfolds against the backdrop of a romantic entanglement during a war between Bulgaria and Serbia. Critics argue that Shaw’s portrayal of Bulgarians in the play is demeaning, depicting Bulgarian soldiers as cowardly and suggesting negative stereotypes about Bulgarian society, such as infrequent bathing and limited literacy, according to local media reports.
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Following the performance, Malkovich commented on the protest, saying, “It is quite an odd reaction. More and more people love to censor things they don’t agree with.” Despite the backlash, the play is scheduled to be performed again on Friday evening.
