Singer Maria banned from performing at Plovdiv's Ancient Theatre

Bulgarian pop-folk singer Maria has been barred from performing at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv. She was scheduled to open for Greek star Konstantinos Argiros on September 2, but the local administration and the “Staren Plovdiv” municipal association denied her participation.

The decision follows controversy regarding her attire during previous performances in Burgas and Varna, where she appeared in provocative clothing. Officials stated that such behavior is inappropriate for the cultural monument. Maria later issued an apology to her fans via social media, noting the decision was made collectively by a group of intellectuals.

Music producer Alexi Marinov, director of Grand Music Studio, has criticized the ban. He argued that the incident raises broader questions regarding the treatment of Bulgarian artists and the pop-folk genre. Marinov questioned the criteria used to determine what music is “appropriate” for the venue, noting that the Ancient Theatre has historically hosted diverse musical events.