John Malkovich's theater premiere sparks nationalist protests in Bulgaria, World News

SOFIA – The premiere of a 19th-century play directed by John Malkovich was staged in a near-empty Sofia National Theater after angry protesters, irritated by the way Bulgarians are depicted, stopped visitors from entering the building.

An hour before the opening of George Bernard Shaw’s Arms and The Man on the evening of November 7, demonstrators began gathering in front of the theater, Nova TV reported on its website.

They held a large banner that read: “Without anti-Bulgarian plays in the National Theater.”

Protesters threw garbage bags, spat and physically attacked Oscar-nominated animator Theodore Ushev as he tried to enter the theater, Nova TV reported.

Some demonstrators tried to enter the building but were pushed back by security, Bulgarian media said.

To prevent further clashes, the theater management only allowed a few journalists in to watch the performance.

The play is a comedy with a love story during a conflict between Bulgaria and Serbia.

Critics in Bulgaria say Shaw portrays Bulgarian soldiers as cowardly and unworthy, and Bulgarians as people who take a bath once in their lives and don’t read, Nova TV reported.

“It’s a pretty strange reaction,” Malkovich said after the play was performed.

“More and more people like to censor things they don’t agree with.”

The play will also be shown in the theater on November 8.