The project “Whispers from the Past” transformed Kazanlak into a stage for contemporary art, where past and present meet through light, sound, and movement. As part of the initiative by Derida Dance Ltd., in partnership with the Kazanlak Art Gallery, audiences had the opportunity to experience two consecutive events that traced a strong artistic line—from an urban intervention in public space to a stage premiere.
On March 20, the façade of the gallery became a dynamic visual canvas through architectural mapping created by Yana Melamed. Inspired by the artistic world of the upcoming performance, the project incorporated digital textures and motifs from the iconic work of Ivan Milev, reinterpreted through a contemporary visual language.
The light spectacle was complemented by a special DJ set by Ivan Shopov, who created a sound environment that transformed the space in front of the gallery into a vibrant meeting point for audiences, music, and digital art. The event, with free admission, brought together residents and visitors of the city in a shared artistic atmosphere.
This audiovisual prologue under the open sky prepared the audience for the following evening—the culmination of the project.
On March 21, the premiere of the visual dance performance “The Scent of Violets”—a new project by Derida Company—took place once again in the space of the Kazanlak Art Gallery.
Inspired by a 1925 painting by Ivan Milev, created after a text by Nikolay Raynov, the performance explores the mythical story of Queen Ahinora. Through this encounter between literature and visual art, the piece raises questions about belonging, ideals, and love, viewed through the female figure as a symbol of strength, devotion, and inner resilience.
Combining contemporary dance, original music, and a digital visual environment, the performance creates a multilayered stage experience. A particular highlight is the use of digitized textures from Milev’s painting, which shape the lighting design and establish a connection between the historical context and its contemporary interpretation.
“Whispers from the Past” is not merely a presentation of artistic events, but a bridge between cultural heritage and contemporary forms of expression. By merging visual technologies, music, and performing arts, the project places local themes within a global context and explores their relevance today.
With its strong visual identity and conceptual depth, “Whispers from the Past” leaves a lasting impression—an experience that continues to resonate long after the performance has ended.
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 realization: Hristo Milev, Bogdan Dimitrov
Technical team (Kazanlak Art Gallery): Dr. Lyuben Malchev, Katya Hristova, Aleksandra Angelova, Joanna Bradshaw, Martina Ivanova
Photographer: Georgi Sharov
Graphic design: Bistra Grigorova, Izabel Mitkova
Producers: Atanas Maev, Mira Georgieva
The events were implemented as part of the project “Whispers from the Past” by Derida Dance Ltd., in partnership with the Kazanlak Art Gallery, with the financial support of the European Union – NextGenerationEU, under contract No. BG-RRP-11.020-0114.
