site.btaGalin Stoev’s Play “The Hague” Earns KulturForum Europa Nomination

German theatre journalist Dieter Topp has nominated Galin Stoev's play "The Hague" for a cultural achievement award of the European Culture Forum, organizers of the International Theatre Festival "Varna Summer" said on Friday.

Director Galin Stoev, playwright Sasha Denisova, and their production team have been nominated for their impactful creation. Based on real people and events from the Ukraine conflict, the play stages an imaginary trial against Putin at The Hague's International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Denisova's play undergoes revisions to reflect ongoing events.

The German journalist compared the play to "The Great Dictator" in terms of its ability to depict views on dictators. The Ukrainian playwright and the Bulgarian director were recognized for effectively accomplishing this goal.

Topp says the performance in The Hague had a profound effect on him, mirroring Europe's growing shift to extreme right-wing ideologies and the threat of foreign dictatorships. He highlights the importance of an open mindset, critical thinking and reliance on credible media sources.

In a BTA interview, Stoev revealed he wanted to stage the play due to its structure, which allowed him to express his artistic frustration following the Ukraine conflict. He noted that art, often focused on people’s inner workings in peaceful times, now confronts a period of turmoil and destruction.