„The Minister of the Interior must immediately submit his resignation. It is absolutely unacceptable to prevent people in a democratic country from watching theater and concerts. Animator and director Teodor Ushev, who was at the center of tension in front of the National Theater “Ivan Vazov”, commented this to Nova TV. on Thursday evening. He was in the role of a spectator of the production, but in front of the building he was attacked and insulted by protesters. In the end, he was unable to enjoy the work directed by John Malkovich.
„I bought a ticket around 18:30 and saw that there were police and many people in front of the theater. I thought they had all come to see the play. I asked the police how to get in and they told me rather ironically that I had to wait. "My girlfriend and I stood aside and waited," says Ushev. From somewhere, the MEP Angel Dzambazki appeared and started inviting people to come to him. In a second, we were surrounded by guys who put on masks on command and started kicking us in the kidneys,”, the director recalls.
He assured that he has nothing against the protest that took place, but, in his words, people who want to see the theater should not be hindered. “The work of the police was not effective. In both Moscow and Poland I have attended performances accompanied by clashes. "I have never felt this feeling of fear and helplessness," Ushev admitted.
The director called on the Bulgarian intelligentsia every night when “Weapons and People” is played, to be in front of the National Theater to support their colleagues. “After what happened, I am offended that I am Bulgarian”, Theo Ushev does not hide.