The Testament of His Excellency

by Hjalmar Bergman

Translated from Swedish: Meglena Bodenska

Stage version and direction: Denislav Yanev

Set and costume design: Maria Koleva

Music: Maria Tepavicharova

Cast: Svetoslav Slavchev, Nadezhda Petkova, Stoyan Rumenin, Atanas Dimitrov – Fozi, Radostina Angelova, Aleksandar Andreev, Lyuben Popov, Petar Rangelov, Vanina Popova, Dilyan Nikolov

Everyone in the district is busy preparing for the grand anniversary of Baron Roger Bernhusen de Sarch. Although the eccentric aristocrat enjoys indulging in the pleasures of life, whether because of his age or the gout that has been plaguing him, he is not especially excited about the upcoming celebration. However, the sudden appearance of his uninvited sister and nephew drives him to carry out an act that will make sure he is remembered.

After years of submitting to social conventions, the moment has finally come when His Excellency can assert his personal will with one decisive gesture. The final wish of the freedom-loving master is to leave behind an orderly future for his illegitimate but beloved daughter by the maid. And the fact that his intentions do not match the expectations of many fills him with even more energy and determination to see them through.

While the adults deal with the ghosts of the past and their material interests, they turn into caricatures of their own vices. Meanwhile, the young, swept up in the flutter of love, are ready to defend the absolute ideals of honor and dignity, sometimes at the price of a good beating.

The performance is an impressive satirical comedy. The birthday menu of His Excellency offers a rich selection—grotesque, naivety, and farce, garnished with lavish costumes and actorly specialties.