Pilate's Dream

The phenomenon of a performance

“Pilate's Dream” arrives on Varna’s legendary ballet stage

On 27 June at 9:00 p.m., the stage of the Summer Theatre in Varna will welcome one of the most масштабни and powerful titles in contemporary Bulgarian ballet art – the dance mystery “Pilate's Dream” by Stefan Dimitrov, presented by the State Opera – Stara Zagora. The production, which has become an emblem of the Stara Zagora Opera and an unquestionable pinnacle in the repertoire of its ballet company, will be presented for the first time to Varna audiences on the legendary stage of the Summer Theatre – a place of special symbolism for Bulgarian and world ballet. For decades, this is where the prestigious International Ballet Competition Varna was held, launching the international careers of dozens of major ballet artists and choreographers.

It is precisely on this stage that the Ballet of the State Opera – Stara Zagora now гостува with its most successful and most talked-about production – a work that opened a new chapter in the history of Bulgarian ballet art and ranks among its most brilliant achievements of the 21st century. Under the leadership of prima ballerina, choreographer and teacher Silvia Tomova, the multinational ballet company of the Stara Zagora Opera has for years been among the highest-rated Bulgarian ensembles at home and abroad, winner of the prestigious international award “The Golden Nutcracker” from the International Dance Festival in Nepi, Italy, as well as dozens of individual and collective national awards.

“Pilate's Dream” is inspired by Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel The Master and Margarita, but creates its own stage world, in which music, dance, multimedia, and striking scenography and costumes come together in a powerful theatrical experience. The libretto is by Yana Temiz, the music by Stefan Dimitrov, while the choreography, directing, and concept of the musical dramaturgy are the work of the world-renowned choreographer Vasiliy Medvedev; assistant choreographer – Stanislav Fecho; scenography and costumes – Pavol Juráš.

In the leading roles, the Varna audience will see Anelia Dimitrova as Margarita, Frederico Pinto as the Master, Klara Ferrer as Hella, Marcelo Molina as Woland, Fiordi Loha as Pilate, Tristan Aymard as the cat Behemoth, together with the soloists and corps de ballet of the Stara Zagora Opera.

From its very premiere on the stage of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, “Pilate's Dream” caused a true sensation and was described by critics and audiences alike as a cultural event of national significance. The production won the prestigious awards “Crystal Lyre,” the Stara Zagora Award, and the Annual “Impulse” Award for Dance Production of the Year. Described as a “firework-performance,” “a poem of love,” and a “miracle,” “Pilate's Dream” impresses with its scale, its imposing visual environment, and the emotional power of music and dance.

On 27 June, the Varna audience will have the chance to experience this extraordinary ballet event under the stars of the Summer Theatre – a stage that has become a world symbol of ballet art.