For eighth consecutive year the bank supports the holding of the most significant annual theatre event in Bulgaria– Varna Summer International Theatre Festival

From 1^st to 12^th June Varna town will host the 21^st edition of Varna Summer International Theatre Festival, which, lauded unanimously as the most significant theatre forum in Bulgaria, will be held for 8^th consecutive year with the support of United Bulgarian Bank (UBB).

The central event of Bulgaria’s theatre life will welcome theatre-goers and stage performers from all over the world. Through the event UBB provides the theatre art fans with the opportunity to witness innovative and traditional stage forms of art manifestation and introduce them to the best international and Bulgarian performers. The support for the event is part of UBB’s overall program for promoting the development of Bulgarian culture, sports and preservation of the cultural and historical heritage.

The program and the landmark events of the upcoming festival in Varna, as well as of the 7^th edition of the World Theatre in Sofia initiative, to be held between 3^rd and 8^th June, were presented yesterday at a special press conference. Ms. Tsvetana Maneva– Artistic Director of Varna Summer ITF, defined the festival as a traditional event that had proven itself over the years and which had become a mission of stubborn, consistent and devoted people. In his turn Prof. Nikolay Yordanov, the festival’s Co- Director, expressed his delight with the fact that more and more organizations supported the event and joined its realization. "This gives us hopes that even larger-scale projects can be implemented ", he pointed out. Mr. Yordanov announced that within the festival 40 initiatives would be carried out in Varna and another 6 – within the World Theatre initiative in Sofia.

The main program of Varna Summer International Theatre Festival comprises of selected Bulgarian and foreign performances, which are distinguished with high quality and show creative quest in various fields, as well as communication with the audience. This year the selection of Bulgarian performances has been made by Mr. Yavor Koynakov, while that of international ones – by Mr. Assen Terziev. Apart from the traditional main program of Bulgarian and foreign shows, for a seventh consecutive year the festival has also prepared a special "Showcase" theatre program. The 12-day marathon also includes concerts, exhibitions, international conferences and seminars.

For the June 1^st opening day, the event organizers promise a “fiery” musical labyrinth and a flying dance underneath the sky. At that time the stage of Varna Drama Theatre will be enthralled by a musical labyrinth, a creation of the virtuoso Teodosii Spasov together with the conductor Gancho Ganchev and Varna Chamber Orchestra. Afterwards the electrified audience and the whole town will be able to enjoy the open-air dance show “Atto Bianco” of the Italian company for vertical dance Il Posto.

Varna Summer International Theatre Festival is a part of the common framework of Varna town’s arts festivals. Over the years it has established itself as the nationally-represented international theatre forum in this country. The fest is organized by Varna Summer International Theatre Festival Foundation with co-organizers the Ministry of Culture, Varna Municipality and the Bulgarian Theatre Association. The international program is realized in partnership with the British Council, Instituto Italiano di Cultura, Instituto Cervantes, České Centrum, the US Embassy in Bulgaria. Main partner of the festival over the past 8 years has been United Bulgarian Bank.

Just a few days before the event’s opening some of the most bustling places in Varna were decorated with original graffiti, announcing in a non-standard way the upcoming Varna Summer International Theatre Festival. The graffiti, created by Green Graffiti Bulgaria through harmless technology and biodegradable materials attract the attention of the town’s citizens and visitors and promote the hosting of this important international event.