The Ivan Vazov National Theatre, Sofia
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Ivan Vazov wrote a prologue for the special occasion – the opening of the theatre. Students from the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, who failed to attend this celebration, hooted Ferdinand for that. In response of their action, the Sofia University was closed for 6 months.
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The first garden build after the Liberation of Bulgaria was the one facing the theatre’s facade – the City Garden.
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According to the initial construction plan, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and the Opera were supposed to be located it one and the same building. This is the reason why the first three rows could be removed in order to make room for the orchestra. -The dressing room of the orchestra players was actually converted into today’s Chamber Hall of the National Theatre.
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre was built near the former prince palace in the capital, known today as the National Gallery of Art. It was designed by Viennese architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner.
The scenic design of the ceiling and walls in the auditorium, which has 848 seats, was assigned to the famous Viennese artist Rudolf Fuchs. On February 10th , 1923, during the anniversary show "Apotheosis of native drama", extensive fire damaged the building. Since the beginning of the new season, the theatre troupe played divided into two parts, in different cities of Bulgaria. After six years spent in such conditions, the troupe began playing at the specially repaired scene of "The Free Theatre" in Sofia.
GALLERY
The building of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre was reconstructed in 1924- 1928. There was a specially delivered stage mechanism from Germany, one of the few like in the best theatres in European metropolises. This technique has been working flawlessly since 1929, being used for all the performances at the main stage.
The entirely decorative scheme is made by artists Dechko Uzunov, George Chapkanov, and Ivan Kirkov, the latter also the author of the theatre’ s curtains, with the ever burning Phoenix.
You can find out more about the building at: www.new.nationaltheatre.bg
"The Emblematic buildings of Bulgaria" initiative aims to promote the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage. The presented 3D visuals are illustrative and make no pretence of having thorough scientific and architectural accuracy.
