Vanga and John Malkovich became the reason that Neshka Robeva and the actor from the “Vazrazhdane” Theater Georgi Zlatarev got into a sharp verbal battle. The occasion is the first protest in front of the National Theater against Bernard Shaw’s play “Guns and the Man”, staged in our country by John Malkovich. For months, the former rhythmic gymnastics coach and today’s staunch patriot and Russophile has been calling for protests against the production and for the performance to be removed from the Narodniya poster because it was offensive to the Bulgarian people and the Bulgarian army.
Neshka allegedly insisted on a peaceful protest, but on the day of the first premiere – November 7, it went to extremes, as disgruntled “patriots” stormed the National Theater, spat, beat and insulted anyone who dared to oppose the censorship. A day later, the creators stood up in a counter-protest and clearly said “No to censorship and pseudo-patriotism“. The artists insisted that we can’t criticize something before we’ve seen it.
“I’m happy that John Malkovich (a great artist!) is performing at the National Theater in Sofia!” In my theater “Vazrazhdane”, I play in an English play in which we joke with the French – “Hello, Hello”. And in a Hungarian play, in which we joke with the Italians – “Because mom likes it that way”. I have enough self-confidence as a Bulgarian to have a sense of humor. Ah, what about Neshka… surely Vanga was pounding on the table for that too?! Full support for the Ivan Vazov National Theater team, the actor wrote on Facebook. He has over 50 roles in film and television and even more in theater. He is popular among television viewers with his roles in the series “The Portal” and “Department of Search”.
The actor Georgi Zlatarev
Zlatarev’s words drove Neshka Robeva crazy and she also vented her anger on social networks, using cynicism and profanity that are not at all suitable for a woman of her age and position.
“Mr. Zlatarev, I don’t know who you are (forgive my ignorance). Are you sure you are good at your job? Maybe you’re an actor? You intrigued me when someone sent me and I read what you wrote identifying me as your poo?! Knowing my age, it’s better to call me “grandma” because that’s the truth. I didn’t understand two things – what does it consist of and on what basis does your self-esteem as a Bulgarian lie? What about Bulgaria attracts you, which of Bernard Shaw’s so elegantly and gentlemanly descriptions of our curves do you like the most? In which of his “flattery” do you recognize yourself?
The protest in front of the National Theater against Bernard Shaw’s play
And one more thing, please explain to me, because it seems that I am not on your too high intellectual level, what do you mean by mentioning the name of a woman whom you neither know, nor know, nor can appreciate, but are you mocking? Her?! It’s about Aunt Vanga. You can say anything about me, you’re allowed, because I can still defend myself, but don’t you dare, with your dirty lips, hands and feet and above all your dirty mind (just like Bernard Schowsky) touch her memory , because Mr. Gagno will talk to me, I will come to your theater and in front of the duck-talking fans and the bored audience, I will kick you in the the epilated ass and where you hid your unnecessary attributes…. So far with the euro tone! Remember, one more thing from your grandmother, chicken farmer like that – you are not worth it, even if you identify yourself as a man by gender. You are not worth it, neither you, nor your reciters like you, when that weeping Vazov cannot reach your hearts “…Bulgaria, they died for you, you were one worthy for their sake…” When on the day of the death of thousands Bulgarian men, you giggle and applaud the wit of a talented artist who has lost his measure and gentlemanliness in himself. In sports, you don’t hit the fallen, the weaker, the defenseless. In “art”, it seems that it can,” Neshka Robeva cursed.
Georgi Zlatarev admitted that he was so amazed by the simple language of the rhythmic gymnastics coach and therefore initially decided that the comment was not written by her and was a fake text. Alas, Neshka’s text turned out to be true.
“I called you “poop” because that was the last drop of respect I had for you. As children, we called you “kaka Neshka, no mistake”. But now I turn to Mrs. Robeva. You are a most ordinary and small, sold, penny, so the possibility of offending me is very small. After God, it does not depend on you at all what I say or do with my little hands, feet and lips, and I intend to mention Aunt Vanga as much as I like, because I have had the pleasure of talking with her and, because what do you think about the matter, frankly speaking, little it excites me. For the Bai Gagno in you – don’t worry, he has long since come out prominently and clearly on display and talks non-stop. Ah, why exactly my ass and attributes have interested you so much, I leave it to you to decide”, answered Zlatarev, trying to keep a good tone, despite the ugly insults from Robeva.
“I am much more offended by your beloved Russia, who is the great enemy of the Union, and after withdrawing the commanders from our army, urges Serbia to attack us, but to their horror, we crush them and confound their plans. As it is said in the same Shaw play: “our valiant, amazing Bulgarians, with shining sabers and sparkling eyes, like an avalanche of thunder and lightning blow away the wretched Serbs like chaff…” Therefore, Mrs. Robeva, I recommend that you stick to the middle and the company of DS employees who have sworn allegiance to Russia and to leave the theater alone,” the actor addressed the former athlete.
Vanga, on whose behalf Neshka Robeva has been speaking for years
Many people were shocked by Neshka Robeva’s cynical speech.
“What an ugly and vile statement from a person who should be a guide or at least a satellite in the art history of Bulgaria. Kudos to your contribution, although I’ve always found your performances quite lacking in creativity and challenge…,” a Facebook user wrote to Robeva.
An acquaintance of the actor also did not hold back and wrote, addressing the coach: “You are a deep disgust in every normal and educated young person. Just letting you know. The good thing is that no one will remember you very soon, because your entire life and achievements are tainted by your grotesque spiritual and civil downfall, which is happening to you in front of all of us. Of course, you don’t know who Georgi is, you don’t have any points of contact and a common social circle for his happiness.”
“How much has been done on your part…. In what you have written, it can be seen that, apart from the bipolar disorder that peeks behind your words, you are related to Bai Gagno. If for you this means being Bulgarian and it is a reason for pride, then you have no right to make any comments on the subject of art where you do not belong. You stick to Soviet sadism on young and innocent girls. I am disgusted by you and your aggression”, laughed Neshka and other admirers of the actor from the “Vazrazhdane” Theater.
Neshka Robeva, however, did not stop and continued to curse everyone who dared to defend the National Theater as an institution and the right of artists to express themselves freely. The coach insists that Vanga is a saint and anyone who dares to make fun of her is pitiful. According to Robeva, the prophetess helped many people during her lifetime.
“I know how stoically he endured insults during his lifetime. I know how many children she taught, how many she saved from serious illnesses… Vanga was a person with a mission and she was Bulgaria, the Bulgarians, she suffered. God, how this woman suffered – without once complaining. And she helped, and again and again, and a thousand times again… What did she do to deserve the abominations, the mockery, the plainness of Ganja, which the ungrateful freaks pour on her with buckets, even after her death? With what? Do you have a creative answer to this simple question, thankless Sunday? Vanga – the Bulgarian martyr? Do you have any?”, Neshka Robeva continued in the same spirit.
Neshka vs. Zlatarev: The Exquisite Drama of Bulgarian Theater
Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you thought reality television was dramatic, you haven’t seen the recent shenanigans in Bulgaria’s theatrical scene! Picture this – Neshka Robeva, the former rhythmic gymnastics coach turned vocal patriot, spark plugs a war of words with actor Georgi Zlatarev, all thanks to John Malkovich’s rendition of Shaw’s classic, Guns and the Man. Yes, a play about the absurdities of war has ignited a firestorm that sounds more like an episode from a soap opera than a cultural discourse!
The Debacle Unfolds
Now, for those unacquainted with the cast of characters, let’s break it down. Neshka has been marching on the virtual streets, demanding the removal of Malkovich’s production from the National Theater’s lineup, declaring it offensive to the fine, illustrious Bulgarian people. I mean, who needs artistic expression when you have a full cargo hold of patriotism just waiting to be unloaded? Right?!
It’s clear that Neshka is quite firm in her stance, insisting on peaceful protests—until her protesters allegedly storm the theater, laying down some serious verbal smackdowns on anyone who dare dissent. Cue the dramatic sighs and the clash of egos!
Laughter & Insults: The Exchange
“I’m happy that John Malkovich (a great artist!) is performing at the National Theater in Sofia!” – Georgi Zlatarev, in a Facebook post that probably made Neshka’s blood pressure spike.
And there lies the rub! Zlatarev, hoping to add a sprinkle of levity to the situation, ends up pissing off Neshka even more. She retaliates with a tirade that is more explosive than an overcooked sausage. Full of personal jabs, she equates his criticism with the utmost disrespect, and throws in the name of Vanga, the renowned Bulgarian clairvoyant, to summon some mystical backup. Talk about reaching for the stars! Or maybe just a dramatic exaggeration that would make a Shakespearean actor blush.
Words in Vain
While Wally from the toy aisle might say “What’s in a name?” Neshka certainly took it to heart when Zlatarev dared to toss her stature into the criticism pot. She responded with a blend of indignation and eloquence that makes you wonder if she channelled Vanga herself—or just got overly heated at a local book club! It’s a splendid display of drama, sarcasm, and some very colorful language that would make a sailor proud.
“You are a deep disgust in every normal and educated young person.” – An acquaintance of Zlatarev, chiming in with the kind of burn that leaves a mark!
Freedom of Expression: The Real Drama
Here’s where it gets juicy! The heart of this feud – freedom of expression vs. pseudo-patriotism. The crux of contemporary artistic censorship in a country constantly wrestling with its identity. In one corner, the artists who clamor for expression and creativity. In the other, the self-proclaimed guardians of patriotism, led by Neshka waving the Bulgarian flag fiercely. Who knew the theater could evoke such strong sentiments? It’s as if the audience is seated for a boxing match, not a play!
Punchlines and Takeaways
To sum it all up, amid the theatrical chaos and the splendid verbal gymnastics, we can learn a thing or two. Such arguments could make a stand-up comedian weep with joy—there’s nothing quite like watching trained professionals go all-out in the realm of insults. If this were a competition, we’d need a referee and some scorecards to keep track!
So dear readers, as we sit back and watch this splendid circus unfold, remember that art may provoke, it may incite, but it can remind us to never take ourselves too seriously. Today Neshka and Georgi entertain with more flair than any theatrical production ever could. And in the grand tradition of theater, let’s applaud their performance. Bravo, Bulgaria! Bravo!
Vanga and acclaimed actor John Malkovich sparked a heated exchange between Neshka Robeva, a former rhythmic gymnastics coach and a passionate patriot, and Georgi Zlatarev from the “Vazrazhdane” Theater. This verbal clash took place against the backdrop of the inaugural protest held in front of the National Theater, aimed at opposing the performance of Bernard Shaw’s play “Guns and the Man,” which is being directed by Malkovich in Bulgaria. Robeva has been fervently advocating for the removal of the play from the Narodniya poster for months, arguing that it’s offensive to the Bulgarian populace and the military.
On the day of the premiere, November 7, despite Robeva’s calls for a peaceful demonstration, tensions escalated drastically as irate “patriots” descended upon the National Theater. They resorted to spitting, physical assaults, and insults directed at anyone who dared challenge their demands for censorship. The following day, the creative team behind the performance organized a counter-protest, firmly denouncing “No to censorship and pseudo-patriotism” and asserting the importance of viewing art before passing judgment.
“I’m delighted to see John Malkovich (who is undeniably a fantastic artist!) gracing the National Theater stage in Sofia!” Zlatarev expressed passionately on social media. He referenced his own experiences at the “Vazrazhdane” Theater, where he performs in English plays that feature humor directed at other cultures, such as the French and Italians. Emphasizing his self-confidence as a Bulgarian, he humorously remarked on Robeva’s stance by invoking the spirit of Vanga, humorously questioning if the famed seer was also voicing support for his views. He pledged his full support for the actors at the Ivan Vazov National Theater, noting his extensive experience with over 50 roles across film, television, and theater, earning recognition in shows like “The Portal” and “Department of Search.”
The actor Georgi Zlatarev
Zlatarev’s remarks ignited a furious response from Neshka Robeva, who unleashed her ire on social media, resorting to cynical and inappropriate language that seemed unbecoming of someone in her position.
“Mr. Zlatarev, I don’t know who you are (pardon my ignorance). Are you entirely sure you excel in your field? Perhaps you’re an actor? Your comments led me to wonder when I encountered the notion of you labeling me as your waste?! Given my age, you might as well refer to me as ‘grandma’ — that would be more accurate. I am baffled by two things: what underlies your self-esteem as a Bulgarian? What aspects of Bulgaria captivate you, and which of Bernard Shaw’s exquisitely crafted phrases about us resonate most with you?”
In closing, she demanded clarity on why he would reference Vanga, implying a sense of mockery towards the revered figure. “It’s about Aunt Vanga. You’re free to say what you like about me because I can defend myself. However, keep your filthy words, hands, and thoughts from tarnishing her name. Be mindful, for it is I who will confront you at your theater—I’ll lash out at you in front of your paltry audience and overly complacent fans. So much for your faux intellectuality! Remember this lesson from your ‘grandma’: you are not worthy, not even as a man by gender.” The passionate defense for Bulgaria and its fallen heroes resonated throughout her tirade, voicing a deep concern for their legacy.
Georgi Zlatarev later expressed his disbelief that such an unrefined message could be genuinely attributed to Robeva, initially thinking it was a hoax. Alas, her response proved authentic.
“I referred to you as ‘poop’ because that was the final sliver of respect I could muster for you. In our childhood, we called you ‘kaka Neshka,’ and I stand by that. Nevertheless, I address you directly now, Mrs. Robeva. You represent an ordinary, compromised, and trivial entity; hence, the risk of offending me remains negligible. By the grace of God, my actions are not dictated by your perception of me, and I reserve the right to mention Aunt Vanga at my discretion, as I had the distinct honor of conversing with her. Your concern regarding my physical attributes is curious and left to your imagination,” Zlatarev replied, striving to maintain composure amid the onslaught of insults hurled by Robeva.
Vanga, the cherished figure Robeva frequently invokes
The public was astonished by Robeva’s cynical diatribe.
“What an appalling and despicable statement from someone who ought to be an advocate for Bulgaria’s artistic legacy. Kudos to your contributions, though your performances have always struck me as lacking in both creativity and depth…” one Facebook user chastised Robeva.
An acquaintance of Zlatarev didn’t hold back, stating, “You are a deep disappointment to every reasonable and educated young person. Just so you are aware, your legacy will soon be forgotten, as your entire existence has become a grotesque shame, laid bare for all to witness. It’s no surprise you don’t recognize Georgi; your social circles are vastly different and devoid of any commonality for his benefit.”
As Robeva continued her vitriol, she insisted on Vanga’s sanctity and belittled those mocking her legacy. “Vanga endured countless slights in her lifetime, and she conducted herself with grace while helping countless individuals in their darkest hours. What betrayal compelled the mockery of her memory? What justified the disgust aimed at her by the ungrateful? Was she not the embodiment of Bulgarian endurance? Do you dare to question her legacy?” Robeva’s defense of Vanga rang out with conviction as she condemned any critique of the revered seer.
Our approval or disapproval,” Zlatarev shot back, further escalating the animosity between the two.
The Aftermath: A Theatrical Takedown
The aftermath of this verbal sparring match has left the audience on the edge of their seats. Discussions about censorship, patriotism, and the role of art in society have taken center stage, all thanks to this drama, which has proved to be more compelling than the play itself. Social media became a battleground, with hashtags like #TeamNeshka and #TeamZlatarev trending as followers rallied to their respective champions.
Art critics and cultural commentators are weighing in on the debate, and theater enthusiasts are torn between a desire for unfettered creative expression and the need to respect national integrity. These discussions are crucial for the future of theater in Bulgaria, as they shine a light on the delicate balance between respecting history and embracing artistic freedom.
A Lesson in Perspective
Ultimately, this ongoing clash is a reminder that theater—much like life—is filled with conflict, humor, and passion. It challenges us to think critically, to engage with our shared cultural heritage, and to recognize that even the most absurd situations can lead to meaningful conversations. Perhaps as we watch these two personalities engage in a battle of wits, we might reflect on our own views regarding freedom of expression and the responsibilities that come with it.
So, whether you’re aligning yourself with Neshka’s fervent patriotism or Zlatarev’s commitment to artistic expression, remember that these debates only bolster the richness of Bulgarian culture and the theatrical landscape. One can only hope that both parties might find common ground and allow for the evolution of a vibrant artistic scene—one that honors both tradition and innovation. Until then, stay tuned, dear readers, as the drama unfolds!
Bravo indeed, Bulgaria! Bravo for the passion, the conflict, and most importantly, for the art that continues to spark dialogue in unexpected ways.
