Plovdiv Drama Theatre announces major sponsorship and a historic world premiere

The 'N. O. Massalitinov' Drama Theatre in Plovdiv has announced a significant new chapter in cultural philanthropy in Bulgaria. The theatre has entered into a strategic partnership with a leading processor of precious and non-ferrous metals, who will now serve as its general sponsor.

According to the Plovdiv Drama Theatre, this collaboration reflects a shared spirit of vision, commitment, and long-term responsibility. The support reflects the company’s philosophy as a socially responsible partner, with a long-standing commitment to cultural initiatives in Plovdiv. Now, its employees are being invited to take part in a new emotional journey — with exclusive access to theatrical performances as part of the sponsorship initiative.

Accompanying this exciting development is the upcoming world premiere of The Distance by Tiago Rodrigues — a co-production with one of the world’s most prestigious theatre festivals, the Festival d’Avignon.

For the first time in the history of Bulgarian theatre, a local stage is officially co-producing a work selected for the main programme of the Avignon Festival. The world premiere of “The Distance” will take place in July 2025 as part of the festival’s 79th edition. Bulgarian audiences will have the opportunity to see the performance in Plovdiv on 17 and 18 September, during the “Stage at the Crossroads” Autumn Theatre Festival.

‘The Distance’ is a co-production with some of Europe's leading theatres, including those in Naples, Athens, Pilsen, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Antwerp, Milan, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Strasbourg and Poznań, as well as Taiwan’s National Theatre and Concert Hall (NTCH).