On March 20 and 21, 2026, the Kazanlak Art Gallery will host two events combining contemporary dance, visual technologies, and electronic music.
The program begins on March 20 at 7:30 PM with a special urban event—an architectural visual mapping and open-air DJ set, followed by the premiere of the visual dance performance “Scent of Violets” by Derida Dance Company on March 21 at 7:30 PM inside the gallery space.
Admission to both events is free.
The events are organized by Derida Dance Company in partnership with the Kazanlak Art Gallery and are part of the project “Whisper from the Past,” which explores the connections between Bulgarian cultural heritage and contemporary performing arts.
March 20: Visual Mapping and DJ Set on the Gallery Facade
On the eve of the premiere, the facade of the Kazanlak Art Gallery will transform into a dynamic visual canvas through architectural mapping created by Yana Melamed.
The visual projections will use motifs and digital textures inspired by the artistic world of the performance “Scent of Violets” and by the work of artist Ivan Milev, whose 1925 artwork serves as the starting point for the stage project.
The event will be complemented by a DJ set by composer and electronic musician Ivan Shopov, who also composed the music for the performance itself.
In this way, architecture, light, and sound will form an immersive urban experience, turning the space in front of the gallery into a stage where the public meets contemporary art and digital culture.
March 21: Premiere of the Performance “Scent of Violets”
On March 21 at 7:30 PM, the Kazanlak Art Gallery will host the premiere of the new visual dance performance “Scent of Violets” by Derida Dance Company.
The performance is inspired by the iconic 1925 painting “Ahinora” by Ivan Milev, created based on a text by writer and artist Nikolay Raynov—a mythical narrative about Queen Ahinora.
These two significant figures of Bulgarian culture from the first half of the 20th century remain relatively little known both in Bulgaria and internationally.
Drawing on the meeting between literature and visual art, the performance raises questions about belonging, ideals, and the space of love, explored through the female figure as an embodiment of strength beyond physical power and a readiness for devotion in the name of love and a greater cause.
“Scent of Violets” combines contemporary dance, sound, and a digital visual environment created with new technologies.
Part of the stage design includes digitized textures from Ivan Milev’s painting, which shape the light environment of the performance.
Starting from the local cultural and historical context, the performance opens these themes toward the broader horizon of the contemporary world, seeking their meaning here and now.
Creative Team
Concept and Choreography: Zhivko Zhelyazkov
Dancers: Vyara Bolgradova, Ivona Mashova, Kalina Valchanova, Simona Todorova
Consultant: Dr. Plamen V. Petrov
Visual Environment: Yana Melamed
Music: Ivan Shopov
Voice: Snezhina Petrova
Costumes: Raya Lachezarova
Technical Implementation: Hristo Milev, Bogdan DimitrovTechnical Team of Kazanlak Art Gallery:
Dr. Lyuben Malchev, Katya Hristova, Alexandra Angelova, Joanna Bradshaw, Martina Ivanova
Photographer: Georgi Sharov
Graphic Design: Bistra Grigorova, Izabel Mitkova
Producers: Atanas Maev, Mira Georgieva
About the Project
As part of the project, a VR recording of the performance will also be created and presented to vulnerable communities in four neighborhoods of Sofia: Filipovtsi, Fakulteta, Ovcha Kupel, and Voenna Rampa.
The performance “Scent of Violets” is produced within the project “Whisper from the Past” by Derida Dance Ltd. in partnership with the Kazanlak Art Gallery and with the financial support of the European Union – NextGenerationEU under contract № BG-RRP-11.020-0114.
