History

RACHO STOYANOV DRAMA THEATRE – GABROVO IS THE RECIPIENT OF:

• Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, 2nd Class, Decree No. 834 of the Presidium of the National Assembly of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria (May 23, 1970) – on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the theatre’s establishment and for contributions to cultural development;
• “Golden Book” Award from the Council of the European Scientific and Cultural Community – for contribution to the development of Bulgarian culture;
• Honorary Plaque of Gabrovo Municipality, Decision No. 194 of the Gabrovo Municipal Council (May 29, 2005) – on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the theatre;
• Honorary Badge of the City of Gabrovo, Decision No. 230 of the Gabrovo Municipal Council (September 17, 2015) – for exceptional artistic achievements and in honor of the 70th anniversary of the theatre’s founding;
• Distinction for “Contribution to the Development of Culture in Bulgaria” from the Ministry of Culture for the theatre’s 75th anniversary;
• Award for “Theatrical Achievements and Contribution to the Development of Performing Arts” – Ukraine;

The theatre is a repertory company funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Municipality of Gabrovo. Over the decades, it has garnered an impressive number of honors and awards at both national and international festivals.

Housed in the historic building of the Aprilov-Palauzov Community Center (Chitalishte), the theatre operates across the following performance venues:

Main Stage (Large Hall) – 400 seats capacity.

Underground Stage – a dedicated chamber hall seating 49, designed for chamber drama, contemporary dance, children’s performances, screenings, panel discussions, and staged readings.

Red Foyer – an intimate space tailored for dramatic readings, acoustic performances, and chamber concerts.

Theatrical activity in Gabrovo, as in many parts of the country, began well before the Liberation of Bulgaria. Forward-thinking Gabrovians, including Raycho Karolev, Tsanko Dyustabanov, and Hristo Dyustabanov, organized theatrical salons in private homes and local schools. Gabrovo’s first theatrical production took place on January 7, 1870, during the Christmas holidays, with a performance of “The Long-Suffering Genevieve” (Mnogostradalna Genoveva), a play staged widely across the country at the time. According to memoirs uncovered by local historian Iliya Gabrovski, the play was staged near Gunin Kladenets, at the Pop Neofit School. It was met with great acclaim and was performed several times that winter, sparking the idea to found an official theatre society.

Following the Liberation, productions were primarily acted by teachers and community intellectuals, with performances staged inside the Aprilov High School and the Daskal-Tsvyatko School.

In the winter of 1882, the city saw its premiere of the drama “Ivanko” by Vasil Drumev. The role of Asen was performed by the high school principal, Raycho M. Karolev, while Ivanko was played by teacher Vasil Hristo Dyustabanov. The female roles were portrayed by teachers Elena Fingova (Maria) and Radka St. Prodanova (Todorka).

At the close of the 19th century, a foundation fund was established to construct a worthy edifice for the Aprilov-Palauzov Community Center (originally founded on December 26, 1861). Construction broke ground on March 30, 1899. Delayed significantly by wartime upheavals, the building was finally completed and inaugurated on December 31, 1922.

Until then, theatrical performances were held in the private hall of the Buzludzha Casino and in the “People’s Home” (Naroden Dom) of the Broad Socialists.

The Gabrovo Municipal Theatre was officially founded in 1929, taking up residence within the Aprilov-Palauzov Community Center building.

In 2023, an expert committee ruled to recognize this institution as the direct progenitor of today’s Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre in Gabrovo, officially establishing 1929 as the starting point of its chronological history.

Following September 9, 1944, the new administration initiated the nationalization of municipal theatres across major regional centers and founded new state-funded cultural institutions. During this shift, the Gabrovo Municipal Theatre transitioned into state ownership. The first premiere of the National Theatre – Gabrovo took place on October 10, 1945, with Ivan Vazov’s “Outcasts” (Hashove), directed by Stefan Gadularov.

Up until 1947, the theatre hosted distinguished guest directors including Nikolay Fol, Yordan Seykov, and Hrisan Tsankov.

The early post-war years were marked by exceptionally harsh working conditions. For a long period, a cinema operated inside the same hall, forcing the ensemble to rehearse late into the night starting after 10:00 PM. With no dedicated workshops, stagehands built sets directly on stage through the night entirely by hand without machinery. Despite these constraints, the theatre produced twice as many plays per season. Capital funding for venue maintenance was scarce since the building belonged to the community center rather than the theatre itself, and storage facilities for stage sets were practically non-existent.

A comprehensive reconstruction of the theatre building and stage began in 1961. While construction was underway, productions were relocated to the stage of the community center in the Palauzovo neighborhood. The modernized theatre hall reopened on October 12, 1963, with Andrey Gulyashki’s play “Sleeping Beauty,” directed by Margarita Tihinova.

On August 1, 1964, the theatre was officially renamed the Drama Theatre – Gabrovo.

The stage has interwoven the creative journeys of some of the most influential figures in Bulgarian theatrical history. Countless actors, directors, dramaturgs, scenographers, and stage artists developed their craft here, many taking their first professional steps on its boards. For its first five seasons as a professional company, the theatre was led by director and actor Misho Georgiev.

Prominent directors who have staged works here include: Stefan Gadularov, Krastyo Mirski, Nikolay Fol, Yordan Seykov, Hrisan Tsankov, Nikolay O. Massalitinov, Lyubomir Sharlandzhiev, Nikolina Georgieva, Atanas Vodenicharov, Leon Daniel, Dobrina Haralampieva, Bogdan Krasinski, Nikolay Kolev, Petar Aleksandrov, Petar Stoychev, Mihail Petrov, Dimo Dimov, Nikolay Urumov, Nevena Miteva, Petrinel Gotchev, Vasil Duev, Ana Bateva, Veselka Kuncheva, and many others.

Emblematic figures of the Bulgarian stage have graced the theatre, including Krastyo Sarafov starring as Tartuffe in 1946 and Konstantin Kisimov portraying Aesop in 1958. Its permanent company has counted luminaries such as Dimitar Panov, Nevena Kokanova, Violeta Minkova, Stoyanka Vuchkova, Anani Yavashev, Vasil Indzhev, Katya Zehireva (who also directed the institution for three seasons), Ventsislav Kisyov, and Georgi Georgiev – Getz. Notable guest performers have included Pavel Popandov, Stefan Danailov, and many more.

On April 28, 1966, on the initiative of director and Honored Artist Hristo Krachmarov, the “Studio 101” chamber theatre hall was founded.

It remains a celebrated debate whether this was the very first chamber theatre stage in Bulgaria or the first one outside Sofia. Several years later, similar chamber spaces began opening across the country. Studio 101 opened its doors with Pancho Panchev’s play “Eye to Eye,” staged by Hristo Krachmarov.

During the 1973/1974 season, Honored Actress Katya Zehireva was appointed director of the theatre. Reflecting on her tenure, she shared:

“My time in Gabrovo holds immense significance in my life. I served the theatre with dedication and an open heart. I fondly recall the wonderful moments and our shared celebrations.
I believe in the strength of the Gabrovo Theatre and know that it will always remain a sanctuary of dignity, spirituality, and beauty.”

Katya Zehireva

Under Katya Zehireva’s leadership, by Decree No. 1899 of the State Council of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria (pursuant to Article 93, Item 7 of the Constitution) issued on October 10, 1975, the theatre was officially renamed the Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre.

Audiences in Gabrovo vividly remember the performances of Lyuben Kalinov, Todor and Dora Kozhuharovi, Emil Grekov, and Kiril Zlatkov (all bestowed with the title Honored Artist), Marina Ivanova, Ruzha Nikolova, Liliya Dimitrova, Stoyan Kostov, Valeri Stanchev, Hristo Hristov, Anrieta Dalova, Ivan Krivoshiev, Nadezhda Terhumanova, Silviya Paskova, Borislav Galabov, Plamen Simeonov, Dimitar Shanov, Iliya Kostadinov, Mila Katsarova, Georgi and Ivan Chiparikovi, and many others.

Equally integral are the theatre’s landmark resident designers: Valeriy Gadularov, Konstantin Konstantinov, Ardash Tavukchiyan, and Todor Chobanov. A special place belongs to chronicler Gencho Taukov, who served with the theatre from its nationalization in 1945 as accountant, actor, and assistant director, and who authored the 2005 chronicle “60 Years of Gabrovo Theatre,” documenting the company’s evolution.

During the 1991/1992 season, the theatre was forced to vacate its home at the Aprilov-Palauzov Community Center, relocating its rehearsals and performances to the Emanuil Manolov Palace of Culture, where it operated until 1995.

The company returned to its historic home with the premiere of “How the Crows Didn’t Become Millionaires” after St. L. Kostov (directed by Nevena Miteva, scenography by Ardash Tavukchiyan), staged to commemorate the theatre’s 50th jubilee. Dobri Dobrev served as director during this period.

In the summer of its 50th anniversary season (1994/1995), the open-air Folklore Theatre was launched at the Etar Open Air Ethnographic Museum with Tsanko Tserkovski’s play “Young and Wild” (Ludi-Mladi), directed by Nevena Miteva with choreography by Stefan Marinov.

In May 1998, Gabrovo hosted the pilot edition of the International Comedy Theatre Festival. In 1999, it was officially established as an institutional festival held during the city’s May celebrations on odd-numbered years.

The festival alternates with the theatre’s other flagship forum—the International Solo Performance Festival BGMOT, founded in 2006 and also presented during the city festivities in May.

Today, both festivals continue as biennales under refreshed titles: the International Theatre Festival of Comedy and Satire, and the SoloAct International Monodrama Festival.

From 1995 through July 2018, the theatre was directed by Nevena Miteva.

In the 2003/2004 season, Nevena Miteva staged Shakespeare’s “Pericles.” The production won two Ikar Awards: for Scenography and for Technical Achievement.

In 2004, Miteva invited director Petrinel Gotchev to stage Racho Stoyanov’s classic play “Master Craftsmen” (Maystori). The production earned Ikar nominations for Scenography and Technical Achievement, along with two Askeer nominations for Scenography and Original Score.

In 2012, Mihail Petrov’s production of “The Rainmaker” by N. Richard Nash brought the theatre an Ikar nomination for Leading Male Actor, awarded to Yuri Angelov for his performance as Starbuck.

In 2013, director Petrinel Gotchev returned to helm Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The production garnered 6 nominations across the Ikar and Askeer Awards, winning two 2014 Askeer Awards for Best Performance and Best Scenography, and was selected for Apollonia Arts Festival as well as the International Shakespeare Festival in Bitola, North Macedonia.

In 2015, Petrinel Gotchev directed “Joan of Arc”, earning a 2016 Ikar nomination and invitations to the Varna Summer International Theatre Festival and the Ohrid Summer Festival in North Macedonia.

On August 1, 2018, Petko Koychev became director of the theatre.

He brought directors Petrinel Gotchev, Vasil Duev, and Ana Bateva into regular collaboration with the ensemble over the next four seasons.

On October 10, 2020, the premiere of “Under the Yoke – 1894” by Gergana Zmiycharova (directed by Petrinel Gotchev) marked 91 years of theatrical activity in Gabrovo, the 75th anniversary of the permanent professional troupe, 170 years since the birth of Ivan Vazov, and 70 years since his passing.

In 2022, Petrinel Gotchev and Vasil Duev completed their tenures, and Veselka Kuncheva joined the resident directorial team.

In February 2024, director Veselka Kuncheva made her Gabrovo debut with the production of “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, based on texts by Polina Hristova and Veselka Kuncheva. The creative team from Puppet’s Lab featured Veselka Kuncheva (director) and Marieta Golomehova (production designer), with original music by Milen Apostolov, choreography by Yavor Kunchev, sound design by Georgi Atanasov, and assistant director Ginka Dicheva.

The production quickly became one of the standout theatrical highlights of 2024.

The Askeer Academy nominated the production in three categories:

• Best Scenography – Marieta Golomehova
• Best Costume Design – Marieta Golomehova
• Best Theatrical Score – Milen Apostolov

It was awarded the 2024 Askeer Award for Scenography for the work of Marieta Golomehova.

The production was selected for Apollonia Arts Festival 2024 and the Stage at a Crossroads Festival 2024, becoming one of the most consistently sold-out shows in Gabrovo over the past decade.

Today, the Gabrovo Theatre is widely recognized nationwide and stands as the leading performing arts institution in the region.

In 2025, the theatre launched two landmark initiatives that were developed across 2025 and finalized in 2026:



• “ACT x 3: International Theatre Workshops” – Over the course of three months in 2026, five artists led intensive creative laboratories in Gabrovo. Resident ensemble members and independent theatre artists trained under:
  • Carmine De Amicis (UK) together with Kosta Karakashyan (Bulgaria) in contemporary dance.
  • Nikolay Gunderov – actor’s craft and physical expression in solo performance.
  • Andrei Bavel (USA) and Zlatomir Moldovanski (Bulgaria) – actor training based on the Demidov Technique.
• Forum Theatre – Led by Yavor Kostov, actors from the Gabrovo Theatre troupe developed their first repertory production in the interactive Forum Theatre format, marking a vital step forward in diversifying the repertoire.



In 2026, the company premiered “A Span Above the Ground,” written and directed by Martina Novakova. A contemporary promenade performance incorporating verbatim theatre techniques, the production honors the legacy of two iconic Gabrovo actresses: Ruzha Nikolova and Liliya Dimitrova. It marked dual commemorations—the 90th anniversary of Ruzha Nikolova’s birth and 10 years since the passing of Liliya Dimitrova. It premiered as part of the SoloAct International Monodrama Festival 2026.



Over the past 20 years, the theatre has received the following distinctions:

• New Bulgarian Drama Festival Award (Shumen) for “Warmth in November” by Yana Dobreva, directed by Nevena Miteva (2004);
• Ikar Award for Scenography to Elena Ivanova for “Pericles” by William Shakespeare, directed by Nevena Miteva (2004);
• Best Director and Best Performance Awards at the Stobi International Festival of Antique Drama for “The Golden Fleece” after Radoy Ralin, directed by Irina Klishevskaya and Dimo Dimov (Veles, North Macedonia, 2006);
• Award at the 3rd Fujairah International Monodrama Festival (United Arab Emirates, 2007);
• Award at the M@rt.contact International Youth Theatre Forum (Mogilev, Belarus, 2008);
• Two Askeer Awards 2014 for “Romeo and Juliet” (directed by Petrinel Gotchev) – Best Performance and Best Scenography (Yuliyana Voykova-Nayman);
• “Chudomir” Statuette for “Oddballs” after Chudomir, directed by Nevena Miteva, at the 15th “Comedy Hit of the Season” Festival (2016);
• BGMOT 2018 Award for Best Actress to Nadezhda Petkova for “The Comedienne” by John Larue, directed by Nevena Miteva (2018);
• Best Performance Award for “The Hermit: The First Bulgarian Empire” by Anna Petrova, European Travelling Theatre Festival (Slivnitsa, 2019);
• “New Horizons” Award for actress Nadezhda Petkova for her role in “The Hermit: The First Bulgarian Empire,” European Travelling Theatre Festival (Slivnitsa, 2019);
• Student Jury Best Performance Award for “Truth or Dare” by Stefan Lack, directed by Vasil Duev (Pristina, Kosovo, 2019);
• Audience Award for “The Imaginary Invalid” after Molière, directed by Nikolay Urumov, at the 15th Winter Theatre Festival “Stage, Palette, Word” (Plovdiv, 2019);
• Best Scenography Award for “Mother-in-Law,” Homo Ludens Festival (Ukraine, 2019);
• “Volunteer of the Year” Distinction from the Municipality of Gabrovo;
• Ikar Award 2020 for Best Debut to Polya Yordanova for the monodrama “Natasha’s Dream” by Yaroslava Pulinovich, directed by Ana Bateva;
• Best Actress Award to Polya Yordanova for “Natasha’s Dream” (Peja, Kosovo);
• Most Impressive Performance Award for “Under the Yoke – 1894,” European Travelling Theatre Festival (Slivnitsa, 2021);
• Best Actor Awards (Expert Jury and Alternative Jury) to Dimo Sava Dimov for his role in “Salieri,” Homo Ludens Festival (Ukraine, 2021);
• Audience Choice Award for “Homeopathy for the Soul” by Dimitar Ivanov – The Captain and Emil Yordanov, SoloAct International Monodrama Festival (2022);
• Askeer Award for “In Spite of Life, Everything Is Love” after Viktor Paskov, directed by Vasil Duev-Tayg, in co-production with Sumatoha Association (2022);
• Special Jury Prize for “Salieri,” European Travelling Theatre Festival (Slivnitsa, 2022);
• Best Scenography Award for “Fools” after Neil Simon, directed by Valeria Mineva, scenography by Slavka Georgieva, International Theatre Festival of Comedy and Satire (Gabrovo, 2023);
• Best Performance Award (Professional Jury) for “Fools,” International Theatre Festival of Comedy and Satire (Gabrovo, 2023);
• Professional Jury Scenography Award presented to Slavka Georgieva for “Fools,” International Theatre Festival of Comedy and Satire (Gabrovo, 2023);
• Best Performance Award (Alternative Jury) for “Fools,” International Theatre Festival of Comedy and Satire (Gabrovo, 2023);
• Audience Award for “Butterflies Are Free” (Trudni za obichane), European Travelling Theatre Festival (Slivnitsa, 2023);
• Best Actor Award presented to Angel Kalev for the role of Don Baker in “Butterflies Are Free,” European Travelling Theatre Festival (Slivnitsa, 2023);
• Askeer Award 2024 for Best Scenography to Marieta Golomehova for her work on “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” directed by Veselka Kuncheva.