Easter Wine

EASTER WINE or Accusations against Archdeacon Ignatius Levski and the workers of Lovech, brought by Krastyo Totev Nikiforov in the Dolnokray Church "Holy Mother of God" by Konstantin Iliev. "Most plays by Konstantin Iliev avoid traps and easy balancing on the edge of what is permitted, and those that touch upon attitudes and values essential to Bulgarian culture, as well as the dramatic problematization of Bulgarian reflection on the most important events both in Bulgarian history and in that of the 20th century, will remain among the best ever created in Bulgarian dramaturgy: 'Easter Wine' and 'Nirvana' are just the most prominent names," wrote Prof. Violeta Decheva years ago. But her words remain relevant today, when for the second time on the stage of the National Theatre we will see a production of the play "Easter Wine" by Konstantin Iliev. A play that has become a beloved, cherished classic, touring with incredible success the stages of Bulgarian theaters. In 1993, director Ivan Dobchev staged it at the NT with unforgettable Velko Kunev in the role of Father Krastyo Nikiforov and Tsvetan Alexiev in the role of Gecho Nemiy. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the hanging of Vasil Levski, with the majestic task of resurrecting in our imagination the image of the Apostle, director Yavor Gardev takes up the challenge. And how else, if not with "Easter Wine" by Konstantin Iliev. In the role of Father Krastyo is Vladimir Penev, and Pavlin Petrunov plays Gecho Nemiy. POISON IN THE COMMUNION or THE RESURRECTION OF THE APOSTLE. On Easter Sunday in 1880, an hour before noon, Father Krastyo comes to his church to serve the liturgy for the Second Resurrection. The Holy Gifts from the Paschal service the previous night remained unused — no one from the Lovech flock came to the church of the priest suspected of betraying Vasil Levski. In contrast to canon, but out of pastoral care and with hope for reconciliation with the people of Lovech, Father Krastyo has kept the host in the chalice unused, so that he can commune some layman during the day. However, the church remains empty today as well. Apparently, no one wishes to receive communion from the hand of Father Krastyo. A chasm has opened between the priest and the Lovech flock, and it seems he himself will have to consume the Holy Communion, which, albeit with delay, he is obliged to do. However, approaching the chalice, Father Krastyo remembers that according to the statutes of the Internal Revolutionary Organization, of which he himself was a member before Liberation, betrayal is punishable by death. Is it possible that former Lovech komitadjis went so far as to pour poison into the communion while it was not in his sight? Is that why no one comes to receive communion with this host? Because it is poisoned? And whose hand would dare to sow death through the desecration of the Holy Gifts — the flesh and blood of Christ? Around him wanders only Gecho Nemiy — the mad sacristan, who will be put to the test by Father Krastyo through a passionate accusatory speech against the deeds of the Apostle of Freedom. Before we mark the 150th anniversary of the hanging of the founder of the Internal Revolutionary Organization – Vasil Ivanov Kunchev, we have an opportunity to resurrect the presence of Levski in our imagination. For three years now, the team of this production, leaning on the solid shoulders of its two doyens – playwright Konstantin Iliev and artist Pavel Koichev, has slowly and patiently awaited the opportunity to meet with the presence of the Apostle resurrected in the words of Father Krastyo. Precisely in the city of Sofia, where a century and a half ago the gallows were raised, precisely on "Deacon Ignatius" Street, which daily reminds us with its name of whom we lost on this gallows, we will hear again the accusations of Father Krastyo Totev Nikiforov against the only undisputed Bulgarian hero. With the piercing words of Konstantin Iliev and amidst the images of Pavel Koichev, we will sink into the shared pain and joy of that quiet, wise, deep and true patriotism, to which creators like them are still capable. Even in times when the faces of saints hang on thighs. Yavor Gardev IKAR Award 2023 for Leading Male Role for Vladimir Penev for the role of Father Krastyo ASKEER Award 2023 for Leading Male Role for Vladimir Penev for the role of Father Krastyo Award for Male Role from the National Festival of Small Theatrical Forms in Vratsa Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Culture for 2023 by the "Culture" Directorate of the Municipality of Sofia in the field of "Theater" for Vladimir Penev for the role of Father Krastyo