Ambassador Theater Newsroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hopa Tropa Kukerica

Celebration of Bulgarian Culture at the Masonic Theater in Old Town Alexandria

April 1, 2012

Under the patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ambassador Theater celebrates the rich traditions of Bulgaria with the second installment of an interactive show that will delight both children and adults – Hopa Tropa Kukerica! A whirling masquerade of puppetry, folk objects, song, dance, and food to bring out the fun loving fool in all of us!

In renowned Bulgarian director Lilia Slavova’s original, improvisational exhibition of Bulgarian culture, ordinary objects come to life with the touch of an imaginative family. As they dance through the world of the Kukeri, the audience can sing along and join the fun, in Bulgarian and English! With music arranged by Bulgarian musician and composer Petko Kolev and choreography by well known Bulgarian dancer and choreographer, Ivan Dimitrov, set design by Bulgarian artist Antonio Petrov and puppets by Master Puppeteer Julia Tasheva.

Featuring: Amie Cazel, Daria Kondova, Konstantin Hadjipanzov, Daniel Rovin and Gwendolyn Torrence.

What began as an idea to continue with Ambassador Theater’s mission to highlight international cultures and bring them to the DC area, has expanded into a multi-act production featuring the added talents of Orfeia, Svitanya, Zharava and the St. Kliment Okhridski Bulgarian School. Under the direction of its founder, internationally renowned singer Tatiana Sarbinska, Orfeia has earned its reputation as a top vocal ensemble and preserver of Eastern European musical traditions. With compositions that range in age from brand new to generations of song, Svitanya brings unending enthusiasm to every performance. The Bulgarian folk-dance ensemble Zharava was established in January, 2007. Within its first six months, the group gathered more than 20 enthusiastic members, including natives of Bulgaria, Russia and the U.S. The fire in each member’s heart is implied by the group’s name: Zharava – ‘burning embers.’ The group carries this energy into all its performances and workshops. After enjoying this artistic feast, everyone will be invited to the dining area of the Masonic theater to sample traditional foods provided by the Bulgarian Community Center. Finally, anyone who is not weighed down by food will have the chance to take a workshop with the staff and cast of Hopa Tropa Kukerica to learn some of the traditional puppetry skills and dances from the show!

TICKETS: $10-25 http://www.aticc.org/home/box-office .  For more information, go to our website: www.aticc.org

Contact: Hanna Bondarewska

HannaB@aticc.org

(703) 475-4036

Or Daniel Rovin

ambassadortheater@aticc.org