Derida Dance Center has returned from its exciting participation in the international project “Dancing Histories” in Rome, where it presented its latest performance “SCREAM” on May 20 and 21. The Bulgarian team shared the experience with three other European dance companies – Sweden’s ilDance, Poland’s Polski Teatr Tańca, and the Czech 420PEOPLE.org. The international teams created their dance productions in collaboration with young Italian artists, bringing contemporary dance into unique, unconventional spaces where the interweaving of antiquity and the contemporary world sparks new thoughts and perceptions.

The stage for Derida Company’s newly created performance “SCREAM” was Castel Sant’Angelo. The excitement for the Derida Dance Center team to work in this space was indescribable. During a previous visit to the castle, Derida’s Artistic Director, Jivko Jeliazkov, established contact with the director of the castle, Mrs. Anna Selvi, who offered this unique location for the performance – the very heart of the mausoleum, where Emperor Hadrian’s urn was once placed. For the first time in the history of the castle, this space was opened for a dance performance.

The premiere shows of “SCREAM” were performed on May 20 and 21, bringing the ancient walls to life with the powerful choreography of Jivko Jeliazkov, performed by eight dancers – three from Bulgaria and five from Italy, members of MSPD Studios – our hosts and partners.

The visual design and video mapping by Ivelina Ivanova transformed the castle into a magical stage, while the music of Ivan Shopov enhanced the emotional impact of the performance. The audience observed from above, on the bridge encircling the mausoleum, creating a spectacular visual experience.

The performance became a reality after nearly six months of intensive work, involving working visits and a series of workshops by our team in Rome.

After the end of the performances, the Derida Dance Center team attended a gala evening organized by the Italian partners, where all the artists had the opportunity to meet and exchange experiences. The following day was filled with workshops shared by the participating dance companies, enriching the knowledge and creative practices of the local communities.

The “Dancing Histories” project not only merges dance and archaeology but also reveals new possibilities for working in spaces with incredible historical memory. During the project’s press conference in the Italian Parliament, Atanas Maev, co-founder of Derida Dance Center, presented the center’s work and vision alongside the incredible partners from the consortium. The discussion explored how the unique language of dance can connect with archaeological heritage and inspire future narratives.

Watch the video trailer HERE

Bulgarian team: Jivko Jeliazkov, Filip Milanov, Elena Marinova, Mihail Bonev, Ivelina Ivanova, Ivan Shopov, Mira Georgieva, and Atanas Maev.
Italian team: Kevin Ranucci, Francesco Caricone, Eleonora Marino, Flavio Ferrara, Antonella Lacalamita, Lorella Russo, Teresa Passaretti, and Damiano Grifoni.

The Dancing Histories project is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union and the National Culture Fund, Bulgaria.
Huge thanks to our Italian partners and hosts: Danze di Terra, MSPD Studios, and ASIDanzaSpettacolo.