Burgas anticipates an event of exceptional importance for its cultural calendar. On October 3, one of the most beloved and distinguished contemporary Bulgarian playwrights, poets, and writers, Stefan Tsanev, whose work is destined to remain for generations, arrives in the seaside city especially for the premiere of his play "The Last Night of Socrates." The performance will take place at NHK Cultural Center, with the curtain rising at exactly 7:00 PM.

Reconsidering Eternal Themes

The premiere of this serious play, paradoxically staged with a comedic tone, was back in 1986. Today, in a new interpretation by director Sunny Suninski, the work comes to life once again. The production was created specifically to mark the 60th anniversary of Theater 199 "Valentin Stoychev" and continues to move audiences long after the last line is spoken and the curtain falls.

The main roles are played by the magnificent actors Ivaylo Hristov, Atanas Atanasov, and Irini Zhambonas. The set design is entrusted to Nikola Toromanov, the costumes are the work of Jasmin Mandelli, the music is by Milen Kukosharov, and the photographer for the show is Stefan N. Shterev. Their talent and efforts have been invested in creating a full-blooded and captivating theatrical world.

A Dialogue Through the Ages

The plot focuses on the fateful night of Socrates, who has been sentenced to death as "a dangerous enemy of the state." He awaits the end of his life with the first rays of the day and the third crowing of the rooster. The sentence must be carried out by an executioner who, in turn, is also sentenced to death. This unusual clash of destinies raises questions whose answers have echoed through the millennia. What will happen? Perhaps someone on stage will drink the cup of poison? Or perhaps someone from the audience will find answers to the questions that torment them in their restless daily life.

2424 years after the night spent in front of the cup of poison, Stefan Tsanev tells a story not only about Socrates and Ancient Greece but also about modern Bulgaria and even the world of tomorrow. Through the prism of comedy, he poses the eternal questions of freedom, death, and power. Come and hear these reflections, experiencing a play that will leave no one indifferent. The excitement is palpable even before the performance begins, and the audience's anticipation for this encounter with a classic is tangible.

Part of a Festival Program