Iliana Yotova and Mikhaela Dotsova at the premiere of a play about Georgi Partsalyev at the Satirical Theatre

The premier of the play "100 Years of Georgi Parzalev" took place at the Satirikon Theatre in Sofia, marking a significant cultural event dedicated to one of Bulgaria's most revered actors and founders of the theatre. The evening was attended by notable figures including President of the Republic Ilia Yotova and Speaker of the National Assembly Mihaila Dokova, both of whom were present for the occasion. According to reports, the event was described as a special celebration of Parzalev’s legacy, drawing large crowds who filled the auditorium and transformed the performance into a true tribute to the actor’s life and work.

The director of the Satirikon Theatre, Kalin Seremenov, welcomed both Yotova and Dokova during the event. This marked the second time Dokova had attended a performance at the theatre since her election on April 30 this year. Seremenov expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the production, emphasizing how it was an honor to share the premiere with such distinguished guests and the audience. He highlighted the significance of the play, which aimed to celebrate the memory of Parzalev, a foundational figure in Bulgarian theatre, while also showcasing the talents of contemporary actors.

The play itself was written by Kalin Seremenov and directed by Nikolay Mladenov. It featured a cast of prominent actors, including Alexander Grigorov, Alexandra Serchadzhieva, Albena Mihova, Albena Pavlova, Anna Stancheva, Boris Zhariev, Georgi Spasov, Dobrina Gecova, Iva Todorova, Ivailo Kaloyanchev, Nikolay Vrbanov, Nikolay Lukanov, Silvia Lulcheva, Stella Gancheva, Toni Minasyan, and others. Additionally, musicians and vocalists such as Martin Karov, Kiril Boyadjiev, Plamen Velikov, Ekaterina Georgieva, Elena Atanasova, Denitsa Darinova, Konstantin Ikonomov, Svetozar Nachev, Yavor Borisov, Danail Nikolov, Rumen Karamanov, and students from the Luben Groyts Theatre Academy participated in the production.

The dramaturg of the play was Bogdana Kosturkova, with assistant director Emilia Kraycheva and set designer Tsvetelina Simeonova. The production incorporated modern stage technology to bring to life some of Parzalev's iconic roles alongside today's young actors from the Satirikon. Audiences were able to hear the authentic voice of the actor, recall his life story, and reflect on the interesting personalities who influenced his career.

Following the premiere in Sofia, the play will embark on a tour across several cities in Bulgaria. The schedule includes performances in Plovdiv on June 26, Vratsa on July 1, Kjustendil on July 2, and Pernik on July 3. These dates have already been announced, with tickets for the Plovdiv show reportedly sold out. The tour aims to extend the reach of the tribute to Parzalev beyond the capital, allowing more audiences across the country to experience the production.

The event underscored the continued relevance of Parzalev's contributions to Bulgarian culture and theatre. His legacy remains deeply embedded in the national identity, and the play serves as both a commemoration and a reflection on the enduring influence of his artistry. The collaboration between veteran and emerging talent highlights the ongoing evolution of the Satirikon Theatre, ensuring that its traditions remain vibrant and accessible to new generations of artists and audiences alike. As the tour progresses, it is anticipated that each stop will bring renewed appreciation for Parzalev’s impact and the theatrical heritage he helped shape.