Racho Stoyanov Drama Theatre

Drama Theater “Racho Stoyanov” performs in the building of the community center “Aprilov-Palauzov”. It was founded on 10 August 1945. It is a successor of traditions dating back to 1923, when a small amateur theatre troupe was created at the Aprilov-Palauzov Community Center, and in 1929 a Municipal Theatre of amateur artists was established. In the creative biography of the Drama Theatre are entered the names of prominent actors such as Nevena Kokanova, Violeta Minkova, Lachezar Stoyanov, Katya Zehireva, Ventsislav Kisyov and Ruzha Nikolova. Priorities in his repertoire are always the classic and new Bulgarian titles, and comedies have a key place. The theatre participates in prestigious festivals in Switzerland, Macedonia, Albania, Russia, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Kosovo and others. In recent years, there has been a profound international activity. It holds two festivals – the International Festival of Comedy Performance (every odd year) and SoloAct – an international monodrama festival – every even year.

DT “Racho Stoyanov” has participated in all national festivals. It is awarded the Order of St. St. Cyril and Methodius, has two honorary signs of Gabrovo, “Icarus” for the performance of “Pericles”, two “Askeers” for “Romeo and Juliet” and “Golden Book” for its overall activity. In 2019, the performance “Mother-in-law” brought the Gabrovo theatre two awards – for scenography and costumes by the artist Daniela Nikolchova and for “Achievements in Theater Art” from the festival “Homo Ludens” in Ukraine, as well as a nomination for best performance at the Golden Kukericon Awards.

Since 2018, the theatre troupe has been joined by three of the best Bulgarian directors – Petrinel Gochev, Vasil Duev and Ana Bateva.