The Long-Suffering Genevieve

Dramatization: Anastasia Sabeva and Maria Doneva

Directed by: Anastasia Sabeva and Eliza Simeonova

Set design: Teodor Kiryakov

Costumes: Ilina Grozeva

Music: Hristo Namliev

Choreography: Romina Slavova

Consultant: Radoslav Iliev

Cast:

Ivan Kaloshev, Ivelin Keranov, Borche Manev, Tsvetomir Cherkezov, Borislav Vezenov, Krasimir Nenkoв, Stefan Borisov, Zhoro Raychev, Elena Azalova, Toni Toncheva, Yana Bozhанin

“The Long-Suffering Genevieve” returns to the stage after 155 years—following its first performance by actors from Stara Zagora who were also members of the local revolutionary committee organized by Vasil Levski. A first performance, open-hearted and clumsy like first love.

Ever since, “The Long-Suffering Genevieve” has meant a smile, naïve delight, and tender enthusiasm to every Bulgarian. “Genevieve” reminds us of the passionate community of people who neither know how to be actors nor how to be an audience, yet respond to the theatrical convention with unconditional emotion. With the sincerity and naïveté found only in childhood, schoolteachers and priests, maidens and young men, old and young and little children conspire to put on a performance and rehearse for another, more frightening celebration.

For the struggle as revelry, for rebellion as a wedding, for revolution—as a marriage to death.

Come and see Bulgaria as we have forgotten it could be—the ideals and faith, the joy and self-sacrifice, laughter through tears, and the honor of calling ourselves Bulgarian.