International theatre festivals highlight cultural exchange in Macedonia and Bulgaria

The 23rd edition of the International Festival of Ancient Drama ‘Stobi’ is set to open in North Macedonia with the production ‘Begalka’ from the Strumica Theatre. The festival features five plays in official competition for awards, including productions from Italy and Serbia. The jury, chaired by Vesna Dimitrova Bobevski, will select winners for best male and female roles, best production, and best direction.

In Bulgaria, the Istanbul State Theatre’s production of ‘Looking for an Old Clown’ received acclaim during the ‘Scene at the Crossroads’ festival in Plovdiv. This performance marked the first Turkish-language theatrical production in Plovdiv after a long hiatus. The event was supported by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Consulate General in Plovdiv, fostering cultural ties between the Istanbul and Plovdiv dramatic theatres.