Култура

In the evening of 31 October, Velingradians had the opportunity to see the one-hour version of the performance "This is Bulgaria", with which the dance ensemble "Bulgare" this year toured the country and conquered the audience of dozens of Bulgarian cities. The performance was played within the election concert of the candidate mayor Alexander Daskalov and coincided with the eve of the celebration of the National Enlighteners November 1. Before the performance we talked with the great actor Georgi Cherkelov, performer of the central role of the narrator:

- Mr. Cherkelov, how did the idea for such a spectacle arise and how did you choose the name "This is Bulgaria"?
- The idea originated in one person - Hristo Dimitrov, choreographer, dancer, graduated in Plovdiv, where one part of the ensemble is from. The idea arose two years ago and quickly became apparent that it would not be easy. First he worked on what was free - he brought the spectacle to the scheme, to the concept. Then he chose the performers, tested many young people from all state ensembles - "Trakia", "Pirin", the Northern Ensemble to create the first private folk ensemble.
It is a happy coincidence that he is introduced to a foreigner - happy for Bulgaria, but also a little sad, because an Englishman with an Irish mother helps for "This is Bulgaria". This is Ian Charles Anderson, who trades non-ferrous metals with KCM - Plovdiv. He asked what was needed for the spectacle, the producer said a sum and started preparing: they sew costumes, make props, everything is made especially for the ensemble and the spectacle. After 2 months the money runs out and Mr. Anderson gives more. On four occasions he gives money, his only compensation is to see the spectacle realized and more importantly - he fell in love with the director's sister and the screenwriter and today they got married!
Why do we believe that "This is Bulgaria"? We have not said it - whoever has become acquainted with our folklore has understood that Bulgarian folklore is unique, unusual, with many components that are not found anywhere else. We show all the good sides of Bulgaria, not all the bad ones.
Why am I in it? I was invited after a year of rehearsing to watch them. I went with my wife, after half an hour I watch - she roars and I roar. The performance is rarely emotional, it's not just dancing, there's drama, even tragedy.
- Are you satisfied with your participation in "This is Bulgaria"?
- I'm satisfied. To say that I'm dying for folklore - no, but this is where the best things are collected. I was tempted to do something I didn't do. And more - in the ensemble no one complains. I don't want to go to Sofia: the air poisoned, the poverty you meet - roars. And in the ensemble they are young, energetic. I believe you can get infected! Although it is not easy to travel, we usually do not sleep, but play and travel because it is expensive.
- What is the main message of the show?
- The main message our writer and director says it in two sentences. Something very important is asked of us: the industry we can somehow fix, agriculture too, but spiritual poverty is very difficult. Let's not forget - there must be culture, art, literature - real, not translated junk from around the world. This is their message, these are "Bulgare".
Elena Baeva