Gelsomino in the Land of Liars

Based on the work by Gianni Rodari

Dramatization and direction: Elitsa Petkova

Set and puppet design: Iva Gikova and Ivaylo Nikolov

Music: Plamen Petkov

Animation: Roksana Markova

Multimedia: Teodor Kiryakov

Photographer: Rad Dimitrov

“Gelsomino in the Land of Liars” is a story about a boy growing up. Around little Gelsomino, frightened by his own strength, an adventurous whirlwind of incredible events and people spins like a fairground carousel. He finds friends and enemies, faces his fears, and becomes embroiled in fierce battles. He lives through the adventure of a lifetime.

It all begins with an escape from home—an escape from himself. But Gelsomino manages to reach his true essence, catch up with himself, and, before our eyes, becomes a strong and courageous boy.

And who will tell us his story? None other than his own powerful voice!

“Gelsomino in the Land of Liars,” based on the work by Gianni Rodari, dramatized and directed by Elitsa Petkova at the State Puppet Theatre in Stara Zagora, won the 2017 IKAR Award of the Union of Bulgarian Actors in the “Puppet Performance” category.

The nomination was put forward by the Guild of Puppet Theatre Artists.

In the “Individual Achievement in Puppet Theatre” category, the Guild also nominated Iva Gikova and Ivaylo Nikolov for the set and puppet design of “Gelsomino in the Land of Liars,” based on the work by Gianni Rodari, dramatized and directed by Elitsa Petkova, at the State Puppet Theatre in Stara Zagora.