Irina Zlotea is a theatre critic for Theatre Today (Teatrul azi), the oldest theatre magazine in Romania, and a producer at Radio Romania. She is a guest at the Showcase programme, and Anita Angelova talked to her about her impressions of some of the festival’s performances.

Ms. Zlotea, is this your first time in Bulgaria and what brought you to the Varna Summer Festival?

This is my first visit to both Bulgaria and the Varna Summer Festival, where I was invited to write about the selected performances. People here have been warm and welcoming, which is always great. My primary interest lies in exploring Bulgarian theatrе companies and actors and so far, I’ve seen some very interesting productions. I’m particularly impressed by how Bulgarian theater makers stage classic plays with contemporary approaches. What I’ve seen tonight is something like this. The performance Public Enemy uses a text by Ibsen, but it has been upgraded from a contemporary perspective. Of course, the play gives you the opportunity to do this.

You’ve been following the festival programme for three evenings now. What are your impressions of the performances you’ve seen so far?

On the first evening, I attended In the Dark. Despite relying on an English translation, I found the story powerful. The lead actress carried the performance with remarkable intensity, deeply moving the audience—many were in tears by the end.

The following night, I saw As You Like It by Gabor Tompa, who is a Hungarian-Romanian director. I felt proud to learn that he was invited to stage here. The production showcased different generations of actors portraying Shakespeare’s iconic characters, telling a poignant story of love triumphing over suffering. The audience clearly enjoyed it.

I had previously seen The Ploughman and Death in Romania, a visually striking production that makes excellent use of video projections. It was highly acclaimed in my home country, with the visual artist earning a special award. Based on a text rarely—if ever—staged in Romania, the production reflects the distinctive style of renowned director Silviu Purcărete, who masterfully handles classic material both visually and textually.

Tonight, I watched 96%, a co-production by the National Theatre of Northern Greece, Thessaloniki, Schaubühne, Berlin, and La Joven Theatre, Madrid. This powerful piece of documentary theater explores the persistence of anti-Semitism in collective memory. It underscores a universal human experience: ethnic tensions exist worldwide, but by fostering open dialogue and a deeper understanding of history, we can address them. By speaking the truth about history, by allowing the victims of the past to share their truths and experience, we open the door to real understanding and maybe then we can prevent tragedies like the Holocaust. Unfortunately, current events suggest we haven’t fully learned from history. Directed by Prodromos Tsinikoris, 96% combines refined documentary material, strong writing, and compelling performances, making it a vital and moving experience.

Finally, I also enjoyed Public Enemy. It is a sharp, modern interpretation with excellent acting and a message that felt especially relevant to younger audiences. I’m looking forward to the days ahead and hope the people of Varna are enjoying the festival as much as we are.