In Sofia, John Malkovich’s staging of Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw faced fierce backlash from Bulgarian nationalists who accuse the Hollywood actor of mocking their country’s heritage. The production has triggered debates over freedom of expression.
John Malkovich's direction of Arms and the Man, a satirical 19th-century play by George Bernard Shaw, has stirred intense reactions among nationalist groups in Bulgaria. These groups argue that the production insults the country and misrepresents its history, an accusation Malkovich has dismissed as far-right agitation.
The premiere, held last week at the Ivan Vazov National Theater in Sofia, was disrupted by protesters holding signs that read "Malkovich go home." The 70-year-old director was accused of mocking Bulgarian heritage, with demonstrators blocking access to the theater and later attempting to force their way inside. Among the protesters was 21-year-old student Yoana Ilieva, who passionately condemned the play as “a disgrace” that "must be banned" for allegedly dishonoring those who fought for Bulgaria’s freedom.
John Malkovich expressed surprise at the intense reaction, noting the empty seats during the premiere. At a press conference, he remarked, “It’s a strange time in the world – more and more people love to censor things they don’t agree with,” as he stood alongside the cast, equally astonished by the backlash.
The protest escalated, with demonstrators waving Bulgarian flags and verbally and physically assaulting the theater’s director and a former culture minister. Authorities have since opened an investigation into these incidents.
The play offers a humorous take on the Serbo-Bulgarian conflict, critiquing the absurdity of war and mocking the glorification of heroism and militarism. John Malkovich, who previously directed the same production on Broadway in 1985, stated that seeking historical precision in theater is "frighteningly naive," explaining that George Bernard Shaw was simply seeking a setting for the story, not aiming for historical commentary.
In response to the accusations, John Malkovich firmly denied insulting Bulgaria or any other country in his career, attributing the uproar to people who “don’t know me at all.” He added that the protest seemed less about the play and more about certain groups seeking attention for their own agendas.
Bulgaria's nationalist Vazrazhdane party, a pro-Russian, ultra-nationalist faction, criticized the production as "mediocre" and accused it of having inadequate staging. Similarly, Bulgaria's conservative writers' union, SBP, denounced the play, claiming it disrespects the memory of soldiers who fought for the nation.
In contrast, Nikolay Polyakov, a Bulgarian director who previously staged Arms and the Man without incident in 1995 and 2000, attributed the heightened backlash to the current political climate, where nationalist sentiments have been fueled by anti-Western and anti-American rhetoric.
Amidst the controversy, 66-year-old architect Nikolay Hristov, who attended the play, remarked that there was “nothing anti-Bulgarian” about it, describing the production as a “fun” take on love, deception, and misunderstood ideals of honor.
The European Association of Independent Performing Arts (EAIPA) condemned the interference as an infringement on artistic freedom, calling it a troubling sign of rising hatred and aggression in Europe, which threatens fundamental human rights.
Close-Up on John Malkovich
John Malkovich, born in Illinois in 1953, is an acclaimed American actor known for his versatility across film, television, and theater. His background in theater has enhanced his stage presence and adaptability, allowing him to move seamlessly between different acting mediums.
He gained prominence with roles in Dangerous Liaisons, In the Line of Fire, and Being John Malkovich, which demonstrated his range and intensity. His performances have earned him two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, as well as a BAFTA nomination. His portrayal of Biff Loman in a 1984 television adaptation of Death of a Salesman won him an Emmy Award, highlighting his dramatic skills. Malkovich’s distinctive voice and emotionally charged delivery have made him a memorable figure in the industry. A key to his success is his ability to bring complexity to diverse characters, making each portrayal unique and compelling. He often takes on unconventional and challenging roles, showing his commitment to exploring different facets of human nature.
With AFP
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