A cultural Extravaganza Awaits at “Scene Central Halls” This January
This january, the newly inaugurated cultural hub, Scene Central Halls, located in the basement of the iconic building restored by Kaufland Bulgaria, promises a vibrant lineup of theatrical performances, educational activities, and family-friendly events. From poetry soirees to interactive workshops, the venue is set to become a hotspot for culture enthusiasts of all ages.
A Celebration of Bulgarian Poetry
Kicking off the month on January 10 at 7:00 p.m., the Central Halls Stage will host a mesmerizing poetry soiree dedicated to the legendary bulgarian poet Elisaveta Bagryana. Renowned actresses Iskra Angelova, Zhoreta Nikolova, and Snezhina Petrova will bring Bagryana’s poems and letters to life, offering a glimpse into the poetess’s lesser-known personal stories. Accompanied by a chamber orchestra performing early 20th-century melodies, the event promises to transport attendees to a bygone era of artistic brilliance.
family Fun and Environmental Awareness
the weekend of january 11-12 is packed with activities for families. On Saturday, the Vazrazhdane Theater presents “Ah, these parents”, a hilarious production where parents and children swap roles, leading to a series of comedic misadventures. Later that day,the Kosher Theater will enchant young audiences with “The Brave Bees”,a performance inspired by the life of bees,teaching children about the importance of nature conservation.
Sunday, January 12, marks the launch of the “Club of (non)readers”, a unique initiative in collaboration with greenwich Junior, Bulgaria’s largest children’s bookstore. Led by mentor Val Stoeva, the club’s first session will explore the world of sports, discussing legendary athletes and Olympic disciplines. Later, the Tsvete theater will present “Who will be King”, a thought-provoking play about a capricious princess and the environmental consequences of her actions.
Exploring Fear and Love Through Theater
On January 18, the Chekmeje Theater will stage “Fear”, a performance based on Slavi stoev’s book “Goodbye, Scary Slipper”. The play delves into the fears of 13 children, blending humor and heartfelt moments to address a universal theme. Later that evening, “Something like Romeo and Juliet” offers a modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s classic, exploring themes of love, identity, and what truly matters in life.
Book Premieres and Creative Workshops
The following Sunday, January 19, will see the premiere of Tsvetelnia Tsvetkova’s new book, “The Pauper”, at the Central Hall Stage. The event is part of the ongoing partnership with Greenwich Junior,which also hosts a bird feeder workshop on January 26. Led by dr. Atanas Grozdanov,creator of “Wild Sofia”,participants will learn about urban wildlife and craft their own feeders to support birds during the winter months.
A Grand Finale with a one-Woman Show
The month concludes with Yana Ognyanova’s one-woman play, “The Woman is a Strange Animal”. This absurdly funny production follows the journey of an unemployed actress navigating life’s challenges while embodying different personas each day. It’s a fitting end to a month filled with creativity, laughter, and cultural enrichment.
| Event Highlights | Date | Time |
|—————————————|—————-|—————-|
| Poetry Soiree: Elisaveta Bagryana | January 10 | 7:00 p.m. |
| “Ah, these parents” | January 11 | 11:00 a.m. |
| “The Brave Bees” | January 11 | 4:00 p.m. |
| “Who will be King” | January 12 | 4:00 p.m. |
| “Fear” | January 18 | 11:00 a.m. |
| “Something like Romeo and Juliet” | January 18 | 5:00 p.m. |
| Book Premiere: “The Pauper” | January 19 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Bird Feeder Workshop | January 26 | 11:00 a.m. |
| “The Woman is a Strange Animal” | January 31 | 7:00 p.m. |
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this cultural feast at Scene Central Halls. Whether you’re a theater aficionado, a book lover, or simply looking for family-friendly activities, January’s lineup has something for everyone.
Exploring Culture, Creativity, and Community at Scene Central Halls: An Interview with dr. Elena Petrova
This January,Scene Central Halls is set to become the cultural heartbeat of Sofia,offering a diverse lineup of events that cater to all ages and interests. From theatrical performances to creative workshops, the venue promises to inspire, educate, and entertain. To delve deeper into the meaning of this cultural extravaganza, we sat down with Dr. Elena Petrova, a cultural anthropologist and expert in community engagement through the arts.
The Vision Behind Scene Central Halls
Senior Editor: Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us. Scene Central Halls is being hailed as a groundbreaking cultural hub. What do you think makes this initiative so unique?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Thank you for having me. What sets Scene Central Halls apart is its holistic approach to culture. It’s not just about performances or workshops; it’s about creating a space where peopel of all ages can connect, learn, and grow. The collaboration with Greenwich Junior,Bulgaria’s largest children’s bookstore,is especially exciting. It bridges the gap between literature, theatre, and hands-on learning, making culture accessible and engaging for families.
The Role of Theater in Shaping Perspectives
Senior Editor: One of the highlights this month is the play “Fear”, based on Slavi Stoev’s book “Goodbye, Scary Slipper”. How do you think theater can help children and adults alike confront and understand their fears?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Theater has a unique ability to address complex emotions in a way that’s both relatable and transformative. By blending humor with heartfelt moments, “Fear” creates a safe space for audiences to explore their anxieties.For children, especially, seeing their fears represented on stage can be incredibly validating. It helps them realize they’re not alone and that it’s okay to feel scared. For adults, it’s a reminder of the universality of fear and the importance of empathy.
Fostering Environmental Awareness Through Art
Senior Editor: The play “Who will be king” and the bird feeder workshop both touch on environmental themes. How do you see art and creativity contributing to environmental awareness?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Art has always been a powerful tool for social change, and environmental awareness is no exception. “Who will be king” uses storytelling to highlight the consequences of human actions on nature, making the message accessible to young audiences. The bird feeder workshop, on the other hand, is a hands-on activity that not only educates participants about urban wildlife but also empowers them to take action. By combining creativity with practical solutions, these events inspire a deeper connection to the environment.
The Importance of Community Engagement
Senior Editor: The “Club of (non)readers” is an intriguing initiative. How do you think such clubs can foster a love for reading and learning in children?
Dr. Elena Petrova: The “club of (non)readers” is a brilliant concept as it removes the pressure frequently enough associated with reading. By focusing on discussions and interactive activities, it creates a fun and inclusive environment where children can explore ideas and stories without feeling judged. This approach not only makes reading more appealing but also encourages critical thinking and creativity.It’s about nurturing a lifelong love for learning, whether through books or other mediums.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Scene Central Halls
Senior Editor: As we wrap up, what do you hope the long-term impact of Scene Central Halls will be on the community?
Dr. Elena Petrova: I hope Scene Central Halls becomes a cornerstone of Sofia’s cultural landscape—a place where people come together to celebrate art, learn from one another, and build a stronger sense of community. By offering such a diverse range of events, it has the potential to inspire new generations of artists, thinkers, and activists. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space where culture thrives and everyone feels welcome to participate.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing yoru insights. It’s clear that Scene Central Halls is more than just a venue—it’s a movement toward a more connected and culturally enriched community.
Dr. Elena Petrova: Thank you. I’m excited to see how it evolves and the impact it will have on Sofia and beyond.
