The theatre opened its doors on September 1, 1960, under the name "Dimitar Dimov State Theatre," with three creative divisions – variety, drama, and puppetry. The first play performed on its stage was The Misunderstood Civilization by Dobri Voynikov, directed by Kosta Tsonev. In 1980, the puppet ensemble became an independent division. From 1961, Nikola Gunov served as both director and stage director of the theatre. Between June 1, 1964, and 1985, the theatre was led by Teofana Tekelieva. Over the years, the repertoire has featured numerous notable productions, including Ivaylo by Ivan Vazov, Ivan Shishman by Kamen Zidarov, The Mother-in-Law by Anton Strashimirov, Career Seekers and Borislav by Ivan Vazov, The Prosecutor by Georgi Dzhagarov, At the Foot of Vitosha by Peyo Yavorov, Holiday in Arco Iris by Dimitar Dimov, The Third Impossible or The New Adam by Ivan Martinov, and many others. Alongside these, works from the world theatrical canon also graced the stage, such as Intrigue and Love by Friedrich Schiller, Enemies and Children of the Sun by Maxim Gorky, The Invasion by Leonid Leonov, and Major Barbara by Bernard Shaw. Over the decades, dozens of actors have worked on the theatre’s stage, while a number of celebrated names have appeared as guest performers, including Lyubomir Kabakchiev, Violeta Bahchevanova, Rachko Yabandzhiev, Georgi Kaloyanchev, Stoyanka Mutafova, Andrey Chaprazov, Georgi Georgiev-Getz, Zhozheta Chakarova, Tatyana Lolova, and many others. From August 1985 to February 2011, with a three-year break between 1999 and 2002, Dimitar Ignatov – a professional director – served as the theatre's director. Under his leadership, the theatre maintained two divisions: a musical ensemble with an orchestra, ballet, and vocal performers, and a dramatic troupe. The young team of actors and set designers who joined with Dimitar Ignatov helped establish the theatre as a prominent presence not only in the regional but also the national theatrical landscape. In 2000, the musical division was dissolved. The existing puppet theatre in the city, "Filip Filipov," was incorporated into the theatre. By decree of the Council of Ministers, the institution was renamed the "Drama and Puppet Theatre." The puppet division was revitalized with productions such as Bulgarian Folk Tales and Songs, Theatrical Exhibition, and Silvester’s Treasure. The theatre earned recognition at numerous prestigious international forums. In 2010, by another decree of the Council of Ministers, the State Drama and Music Theatre "Kadriye Latifova" was merged into the institution as part of a national performing arts reform. Since February 2011, the director of the theatre has been Plamen Panev, a stage director by profession. Following a series of structural changes, the theatre now operates as a Theatre and Music Centre. It employs a staff of 160. Each year, the theatre stages over 300 performances, reaching an audience of 250,000 people. Nearly every week, both local and visiting companies present performances in a variety of genres and styles. Through the theatre’s website, anyone can learn about upcoming productions and even reserve tickets online.
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