Theatre of Wonder

From the domestication of ancient beasts through the breaking of cosmic boundaries to the search for the key to our immortality – each of these topics can become both a wonderful artistic plot and an avant-garde scientific development. Theatre of Wonder is born from the meeting of science and art

THEATER OF WONDER is a European network of festivals dedicated to the collaboration between artists and scientists. Its first edition in Bulgaria will take place from 10 to 12 September 2021 in Sofia.

September 10, Friday

The Rhythm in the Galaxy’s Heart

Astrophysics meets music and impro-theatre / 6:30 pm, Stage Terminal 1

In the heart of the Milky Way there is a supermassive black hole. This is a real space-monster in which could easily fit millions of suns. What does it do there and what are the active galactic nuclei? We will find out the answers together during an exciting space adventure that combines science with theater and music in an interactive and entertaining way.

By and with Vladimir Bozhilov PhD, astrophysicist from Sofia University Physics Department, Anna Bo, composer and sound designer, and Jivko Jouranov, impro and puppet actor.

How to Become Einstein in One Hour?

Creative journey / 8:30 pm, Stage Derida

Creativity is often considered the most important skill of the 21st century. How to Become Einstein in One Hour? is an exciting adventure in search of the secrets of Albert Einstein’s creativity. Einstein worked in the field of science, but the principles of his creativity can be applied in all spheres of human activity.

Dimitar Uzunov and the team of the show have the ambitious task to turn each audience member into a creativity expert in one hour. Are you ready to stand up to the challenge?

September 11, Saturday

The Synthetic Man: Dream, Nightmare, Reality?

​Biology meets video-art / 6:30pm, Stage Terminal 1

Artificial human organs that replace defective or obsolete natural originals. Mothers who give birth through synthetic organs. Immortal people. Does that sound fantastic to you? The new reality is already knocking on the door. Come and adjust your watches!

Can science take one of the last bastions of nature – immortality? Not only will you hear our answer, but you will also touch on medical approaches that go from science fiction to science reality.

By and with Spas Kerimov, medical doctor and founder and CEO of biotech company creating living tissues & organoids with 3D-bioprinting technology, Nikola Nalbantov, set designer and video-artist, and Dimitar Uzunov, actor and theatre director.

The Principal of Uncertainty

Quantum physics meets theatre / 8:30pm, Stage Derida

Theatre performance in English with Andrea Brunello

​September 12, Sunday

The Beast

Paleozoology meets theatre / 6:30 pm, Stage Terminal 1

When man first domesticated animals, he did not realize what would happen next. Thirteen thousand years later, it was his turn to be tamed. Now the fate of humanity is in the hands of a woman. Will she be able to fight the Beast? What do we know today about the first domesticated animals and how has this ability changed the course of human civilization? What does it mean for our future? By and with Nadezhda Karastoyanova PhD, archeozoologist from the National Museum of Natural History – Bulgarian Academy of Science, Denitsa Zafirova, actress, and Stefan Prohorov, theatre director.

The Computational Beauty of Nature

Computer science meets music and video-art / 8:30pm, Stage Derida

Theatre performance in English with Alberto Montresor and Carlo La Manna​

ADDRESSES:

Stage Terminal 1 – ul. Angel Kanchev 1
​Stage Derida – ul. Tsar Samuil 32

Theatre of Wonder festival is organised in Bulgaria by Arte Urbana Collectif and RATIO, in partnership with the French Institute in Bulgaria, Derida Stage, CVS Bulgaria, and is supported by Creative Europe, National Culture Fund and Culture Programme of Sofia Municipality. Theatre of Wonder is part of the European project CURIOUS.

Media partners of the festival are Actualno.com, iWoman.bg, Impressio.dir.bg, VIZ!, BGNES Agency and The City Faces.