– Sofia Opera, Sofia

About this event

The production places the action at the end of the ninth century and in the first half of the tenth century in the Sredets region. The locations include the Osogovo Mountains, the Struma valley, Vitosha, and the Rila Desert. Its dramatic focus is John of Rila's rejection of worldly life, entry into monastic life, trials, spiritual practice, and guidance to the Bulgarian people. Plamen Kartalov directs the production. The production team includes Nela Stoyanova as scenographer, Kristiyan Stoyanov as visual artist, Marta Mironska for costume design, and Andrey Haydinyak as lighting designer. Vladimir Gruncharov and Elektrick.Me are credited with 3D mapping and digital scenography. Violeta Dimitrova is the chorus conductor and Igor Bogdanov is responsible for musical preparation. No named cast, soloist list, orchestra credit, or choreographer is supplied for the 17 October 2026 performance.

Cast & creative

• Z

  Conductor

  Zhorzh Dimitrov
• P

  Stage director

  Plamen Kartalov
• N

  Scenographer

  Nela Stoyanova
• K

  Visual Artist

  Kristiyan Stoyanov
• M

  Costume designer

  Marta Mironska
• V

  Video

  Vladimir Grancharov
• V

  Set designer

  Vladimir Grancharov