The Will of His Lordship

by Hjalmar Bergman

Premiere

Translated from Swedish: Meglena Bodenska

Stage version and direction: Denislav Yanev

Set design and costumes: Maria Koleva

Music: Maria Tepavicharova

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

Synopsis

Everyone in the district is busy preparing for the grand anniversary celebration of Baron Roger Bernhusen de Sarsh. Although the eccentric aristocrat loves to indulge in the pleasures of life, whether because of his age or the gout that has taken hold of him, he is not particularly excited about the upcoming festivity. However, the sudden appearance of his uninvited sister and nephew drives him to carry out an act that will make him well remembered.

After years of submission to social norms, the moment has finally come when His Lordship will be able to assert his personal will with one decisive gesture. The final wish of the freedom-loving master is to leave behind a well-ordered future for his illegitimate, yet 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 are preoccupied with the ghosts of the past and their material interests, they turn into caricatures of their own vices. Meanwhile, the young, driven by romantic tremors, are ready to defend the absolute ideals of honor and dignity, sometimes at the cost of a beating or two.

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