On 26 September 2026, Kunino will become a meeting point for contemporary art, history, local flavours, music and community. A special day-long programme will take place at the Vocational School of Stonework, with the premiere of STRATUM – the new visual dance performance by Derida Company, conceived and choreographed by Jivko Jelyazkov – at its centre.
The remarkable setting of the stonework school becomes a natural context for a performance that explores the relationship between the human body and one of the oldest materials accompanying human civilisation – stone.
Body, Matter and Time
STRATUM brings the body into dialogue with time, gravity and the memory of stone.
The ancient gesture of the human hand – touching, shaping and transforming matter – comes into tension with the digital speed of the present. Moving between dance, visual environment, sound and materiality, the performance turns towards the different layers of time and the traces that human presence leaves behind.
Concept and Choreography: Jivko Jelyazkov
Dance: Simona Todorova, Ivona Mashova, Kalina Valchanova, Kaya Kokocinski
Visual Environment: Ivelina Ivanova
Music and Sound Environment: Ivan Shopov
Stage Realisation: Boris Georgiev Hadzhigeorgiev
Technical Production: Atelier Couchette, Martin Daskalov
Producers: Atanas Maev, Mira Georgieva
The premiere begins at 8:00 PM, but before the performance, audiences will have the opportunity to experience both the history and the present-day life of this unique place.
A Day in Kunino
The programme on 26 September begins at 4:00 PM with guests’ arrival and check-in.
At 5:00 PM, visitors will be invited on a tour of the Vocational School of Stonework and an exhibition featuring works by its students.
At 6:00 PM, the programme continues with a tasting inspired by the flavours of the early 20th century. Traditional Bulgarian cheeses will be presented, with a particular focus on the story of the Green Cheese of Cherni Vit, alongside a selection of wine.
Following the official opening at 7:10 PM, choreographer Zhivko Zhelyazkov will introduce the audience to the ideas and creative process behind STRATUM.
The premiere begins at 8:00 PM, followed by a conversation with the artists at 9:00 PM.
From 9:30 PM, the evening continues with a DJ set and an informal programme.
The gathering in Kunino continues the following morning. On 27 September, breakfast and coffee will be served from 9:00 AM, followed by an optional cycling tour around the area at 10:00 AM.
Programme
26 September
4:00 PM > Welcome and accommodation
5:00 PM > Tour of the school and exhibition of works by its students
6:00 PM > Tasting of foods inspired by the beginning of the 20th century, traditional Bulgarian cheeses with a special focus on the story of the Green Cheese of Cherni Vit, as well as wine
7:10 PM > Official opening
7:20 PM > Introduction to STRATUM by Zhivko Zhelyazkov
8:00 PM > STRATUM premiere — a visual dance performance by Derida Company
9:00 PM > Conversation with the artists
9:30 PM > DJ set and informal evening programme
27 September
9:00 AM > Breakfast and coffee
10:00 AM > Cycling tour in the area /optional/
Registration for Kunino
To confirm your attendance and request accommodation, a camping spot or participation in the cycling tour, please complete the short registration form:
https://forms.gle/zpL4JHDY3qS1xVty9
On 26 September, we invite you to Kunino for an encounter between past and present, matter and movement, place and the people who inhabit it.
We would love to have you with us.
STRATUM Continues Its Journey
Following its premiere in Kunino, STRATUM will continue its journey, meeting audiences in three more Bulgarian cities.
On 30 September at 7:30 PM, the performance will be presented in Sofia at Derida Stage. The next stop is Pleven on 5 October at 7:00 PM, followed by Velingrad on 8 October at 7:00 PM.
As STRATUM travels between different cities, spaces, and audiences, it carries forward its exploration of the body, matter, time, and memory.
The project is realised with the financial support of the National Culture Fund, Bulgaria, under the “Creation and Distribution – Large-Scale Projects” 2025 programme.
