PERFORMANCE AND PUNISHMENT

The performance has a nomination for Askeer 2025 for the main male role, performed by Yavor Kostov - Jondin.

Called a theater magician, a scandalous avant-garde, declared a pioneer in theatrical language and work with the actor... Ivan Stanev defined himself as a "late modernist". Throughout his creative path, he was placed in the position between "hosanna" and "crucify him", presenting to the audience and critics his latest stage or visual provocation. Ivan's first return to Bulgaria after his emigration to Germany in 1988 was a tour with his author's text "PERFORMANCE AND PUNISHMENT" -

a performance created in 1990 as a co-production of the Hebel Theater - Berlin, the "Theater der Welt" festival - Essen and "Eurokaz" - Zagreb. The performance was greeted with thunderous ovations by the European and Sofia theater community.

“PERFORMANCE AND PUNISHMENT” is transgressive to the point of brutality – a “replica” of Dostoevsky’s novel.

Stanev has fun dissecting and recreating theatrical language. He skillfully manipulates and burns traditional stage techniques. The author combines high style in expression with sardonic to cynical jokes. He ironically juggles with the categories of Guilt, Repentance, Truth – long since erased in the piggy bank of the soul like dirty, shameful underwear. With incredibly gentle tones, he marks the death not only of the individual, but also of the public spirit. A world – derailed in front of false decency, complacent “labeling” – covering up dishonor and atrocities with which we have come to terms with living.

“PERFORMANCE AND PUNISHMENT” is an exceptional text written “without hope and despair”.

The awareness of the Artist as an engine for general social changes is essential. I still believe that Art is endowed with the magical superiority to cause bloodless revolutions from the stage in order to prevent bloody ones in reality.

On 1.12.2023, the director, poet, playwright, translator, philosopher, teacher IVAN STANEV (1959 -2023) left this world. The personality of IVAN STANEV deserves to happen on stage Quality and Resistance. Because Ivan was all Resistance. Resistance against clichés, easy answers, comfortable positions, false morality, toothless conformism, the herd spirit not only in society, but also in making Theater/Art.

Cassiel Noah Asher

The performance is realized with the kind financial support of the Ministry of Culture and Patrons.

Partner: Regional Center for Contemporary Art “Toplocentrala”