Singer Maria barred from performing at Plovdiv's Ancient Theatre

Bulgarian pop-folk singer Maria has expressed strong opposition to her exclusion from performing at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv on September 2. The singer stated that her participation was canceled due to a decision made by the theatre administration and a group of intellectuals who have reportedly banned pop-folk performers from the prestigious stage.

Maria criticized the decision, questioning why foreign artists are permitted to perform Balkan music while Bulgarian pop-folk artists are restricted. She argued that these performers work in Bulgaria, pay taxes, and support local professional teams. In her social media statements, she suggested that if a moral purge is being sought, it should begin with television networks that create new idols for children rather than targeting established artists.

The controversy echoes a similar public dispute from 2015 regarding pop-folk concerts at the same venue.