Samodiva

The London-based collective Surdce invites the audience into the forest of the Samodiva – creatures from Bulgarian legends – wild and unpredictable, appearing among the trees, water, and night air.

Samodiva is an immersive dance performance in which viewers move through space and encounter various manifestations of these mythical figures. The dance unfolds around them—among the trees, along the paths, and under the open sky.

Marcela-Vasilena Merchant's performance is inspired by mythology, collective imagination, and women as an elemental force. The production is a symbol of freedom and power, representing a sensory experience that connects us with nature.

Samodiva will take to the stage at the Toplocentrala Cultural Center, where viewers will have the opportunity to become part of the dance of the samodivas in their natural habitat—among the trees, rivers, and under the open sky.

Whirlwind, Water Nymph, Samodiva Hunter, Bride, or Mother—which of these mysterious creatures will you discover in the forest?

You will see them, hear them, touch them, and perhaps even recognize them in yourself…

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Creative team

Direction, choreography: Marcela-Vasilena Merchant
Featuring: Lily Arma, Marcela-Vasilena Merchant, Nina Tomlinson, Thea Chamberlain, Stefani Handzhiska, Francesca Row
Costumes: Freya Thomas-Taylor
Music: Dan Hibbert
Photography: Morrigan Rawson, Sophie Dunn
Producer: Stefani Handjiyska
Additional producers: Ella Hopkins, Lydia Warf
Production company: Surdce Dance Collective, Man with a Hat Foundation
Tour manager: Dilyan Dimitrov
Premiere: Proposition Gallery, London 2025

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The performance is suitable for adults and children over 5 years of age. Viewers are free to move around the space and explore the performance area, changing their perspective during the action.

The performance "Samodiva" was made possible with the support of Arts Council England. The 2026 European tour of the performance is made possible with the support of the Sofia Municipality's "Culture" Program.