John Malkovich premiere sparks protest in Bulgaria

The premiere of a 19th-century play directed by John Malkovich was performed in an almost empty Sofia National Theatre after angry protesters irritated with the way Bulgarians are portrayed prevented visitors from entering the building.

Nova TV reported on its website that one hour before the opening of George Bernard Shaw's 'Arms and The Man' on Thursday evening, protesters started gathering in front of the theatre.

Supporters of Bulgarian nationalist organisations scuffle with Vasil Vasilev, director of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, as they try to enter the building to protest the premiere of "Arms and the Man" play, directed by John Malkovich, in Sofia, Bulgaria, November 7, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer

They held a giant banner reading: "Without anti-Bulgarian plays at the National Theatre." Protesters threw garbage bags, spat, and physically attacked Oscar-nominated animator Theodore Ushev as he tried to enter the theatre, Nova TV reported.

Bulgarian media said some protesters attempted to force their way into the building but were pushed back by security. The theatre management only allowed a few journalists inside to watch the performance to avoid further clashes.

The play is a comedy featuring a love story during a conflict between Bulgaria and Serbia.

Supporters of Bulgarian nationalist organisations try to enter the building of Ivan Vazov National Theatre, as they protest the premiere of "Arms and the Man" play, directed by John Malkovich, in Sofia, Bulgaria November 7, 2024. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov

Critics in Bulgaria say Shaw presents the Bulgarian soldiers as cowardly and unworthy and Bulgarians as people who bathe once and don't read, Nova TV reported.

"It is quite an odd reaction," Malkovich said after the play was performed. "More and more people love to censor things they don't agree with." The play is also scheduled to be shown in the theatre on Friday evening.