site.btaTwo Opposing Protests Outside National Theatre End Without Clashes

The two protests in front of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre ended without clashes. People gathered in front of the theatre against the play Arms and the Man, directed by John Malkovich based on a text by Bernard Shaw. The other protest was of people who are unhappy with the tension that arose against the play and escalated on Thursday evening.

Police had separated the two demonstrations, and a cordon was in place for those who had bought tickets for the play to enter the theatre. 

Actors thanked the students who came to the front of the National Theatre, who came in support of the play. Actor Darin Angelov thanked the crowd for being there to support everyone's right to have free access to culture. You defended your interests to have the right to create culture, he said.

Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev came to watch the play. "It is important to protest and express an opinion, but in a civilized way," Terziev told journalists.

The director of the National Theatre Vassil Vassilev and the play director John Malkovich greeted those gathered in support of the play at the theatre. Vassilev thanked people for coming.