Inspired by the legend of forty maidens who chose death over slavery, Legend of Kaliakra explores the hidden lives of the women behind one of Bulgaria's most enduring stories. Blending poetic text and music, the production explores what remains unseen in history: the psychological and emotional worlds of the women behind the legend - their fears, guilt, love, courage, and confrontation with the oppressor. Through four interconnected female perspectives, the work reimagines the narrative as a story of choice, dignity, and freedom.
Performed in Bulgarian with English subtitles. The play is directed by Elitsaa Yovcheva, who has directed at the National Theatre and Youth Theatre, Bulgaria. The show premiered in Sofia in 2023 and has since toured cities along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Making its London premiere at the VOILA! Festival, Legend of Kaliakra invites UK audiences to encounter a powerful Bulgarian story through the shared language of theatre, movement, and music.