The National Theater raises its curtain for the third night in a row for the performance “Guns and the Man”, which caused protests and an attempted storm. Last night, the performance based on the play by Bernard Shaw and directed by John Malkovich was performed to a full house and a standing ovation from the audience.
Tonight there are far fewer people outside the theater and the atmosphere is relaxed. For the third day, the police presence around the building remains increased. A peaceful protest in support of art, culture and freedom of speech is organized tomorrow at 6 p.m.
On the third day, instead of the “Guns and the Man” poster in front of the National Theater, the messages that divided the people “for” and “against” the play were written.
“A very interesting situation in which the performance and the play somehow represent our lives, which on the other hand, I don’t know if it’s bad or good. It’s become a kind of fact again. How many actors and directors hope that the actors will live together in the play , as if they are part of the play and the audience feels that way too,” said actor Nencho Kostov.
“All these soldiers who won this battle did not feel fear in their hearts. Perhaps here is the genius of the author, that the Bulgarian is opposed not to a Serb, a Turk or a Macedonian, but to a Swiss. Because he is nothing to us he speaks like a Swiss. This makes the play universal, and not for the viewer to watch this and deal with who he hates and who he should hate, but with what war is and what he can experience in this life,” commented Kostov in front of BNT.
“The play ‘Guns and the Man’ has become a historical event. The usual analysis or criticism of Bernard Shaw’s action and Malkovich’s interpretation is no longer applicable, but I must still say that I understand what Malkovich’s point is to set right now and here this play. For him, it is a wonderful love comedy, penetrated into the Bulgarian way of life and at the same time with a very strong anti-war pathos”, comments the culturologist Tony Nikolov.
Guns and the Man tickets are sold out for all performances through December. For now, the actors play in front of an audience that enters with applause and whistles, but the message of the theater is clear – “Stage, not arena!”.
On Thursday, protesters gathered in front of the “Ivan Vazov” National Theater because of the premiere of the play “Guns and the Man”, staged by the world director and actor John Malkovich. Protesters began to gather before 5 p.m., and later blocked the entrance to the theater. The director of the theater, Vasil Vasilev, came out of the building and stood in front of the protesters, after which they pounced on him and deliberately pushed him. They also released smoke in front of the entrance, where there were already people with tickets who wanted to watch the premiere. A large number of them gathered at the side of the entrance of the theater and passed through there to enter for the play. The director of the theater announced that he would refund the money to people who bought tickets and that the John Malkovich production would be played only for journalists.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Nencho Kostov, Actor
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, Nencho. Thank you for joining us today. The performance of “Guns and the Man” has stirred quite a reaction over the past few nights. Can you share your impressions of the atmosphere around the theater during these performances?
Nencho Kostov (NK): Good evening! It’s been quite a journey, to say the least. When we began, the energy was palpable, with protests outside the theater and a full house inside. Each night, we could feel the audience’s tension transform into something wonderful—a standing ovation at the end of the show. After the initial unrest, last night was notably calmer. It seemed like the community was beginning to reconcile with the art on stage.
TNE: It’s interesting to hear that the atmosphere has evolved. Could you elaborate on how the themes of the play resonate with the current societal climate?
NK: Absolutely. “Guns and the Man” reflects not just the struggles of the individual but also broader societal conflicts. The play mirrors our own lives and the deeply divided opinions about the nature of war and peace. When we perform, it feels like the actors are living through these conflicts, and hopefully, it prompts the audience to reflect on their own experiences with conflict.
TNE: You mentioned that the poster of the play has been replaced with messages for and against it. What do you think this says about the role of art in society?
NK: This change is significant. It highlights the polarized views within our community. Art is meant to provoke thought and discussion—it’s a mirror reflecting what we grapple with internally and externally. The fact that these conversations are happening in such a public space shows that art is still a vital part of our society’s dialogue. It can unite and yet divide, depending on how it is received.
TNE: You referred to the play’s universal themes in your earlier comments. How does Malkovich’s direction enhance this universality?
NK: John Malkovich has a unique vision that transcends traditional interpretations. He draws the audience in, forcing them to confront not just the story but also their own beliefs and biases. By focusing on the human experience rather than nationalistic perspectives, he crafts a narrative that invites viewers to explore their feelings toward war and peace—regardless of their background.
TNE: On that note, how do you feel audiences should engage with the complex themes presented in the play?
NK: I believe audiences should allow themselves to feel, question, and even be uncomfortable. “Guns and the Man” is not just about the conflicts we see on stage; it’s about our internal battles as well. Engaging with these themes means recognizing that we all have experiences of conflict—whether personal or societal. It can be a powerful catalyst for change when done thoughtfully.
TNE: Tomorrow, a peaceful protest supporting art and freedom of speech is planned. How do you see this evolving in the context of the ongoing debates surrounding the play?
NK: I see it as a beautiful solidarity moment. The arts thrive on freedom of expression, and it’s essential we protect that space. The protest will serve as a reminder that culture and art are vital to our identity and that differing opinions are not just acceptable but necessary for growth. It’s about celebrating our right to express and challenge.
TNE: Well said, Nencho. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that “Guns and the Man” is more than just a play; it’s a significant cultural event galvanizing conversations about our society.
NK: Thank you for having me. I hope people continue to engage with art and culture in a meaningful way.