PUPPET FESTIVAL „SHARENO PETLE“ – PLEVEN
With the „Shareno Petle“ festival, the International Puppet Festival „People and Puppets“, whose running was interrupted 27 years ago, is being revived.
The „Shareno Petle“ festival is annual and presents the best achievements of professional puppet theatre.
I. VENUE
The „Shareno Petle“ festival is held in the city of Pleven every year in the first half of July, over a period of no fewer than four days.
II. ORGANISERS OF THE FESTIVAL
The festival is organised by the Municipality of Pleven and the "Ivan Radoev" Theatre – Pleven.
Professional theatre institutions, natural and legal persons who share the goals and ideas of the festival may be included as co-organisers. When certain activities are assigned to the co-organisers, contracts are concluded defining their rights and obligations.
The Mayor of the Municipality of Pleven appoints, by order, an Organising Committee to run the festival. The members of the committee are the director of the "Ivan Radoev" Theatre – Pleven, a representative of the Union of Artists in Bulgaria, a representative of BAROK, a puppeteer and experts from the „Culture“ department.
The chairman of the Organising Committee is the deputy mayor for culture or the head of the „Culture“ department of the Municipality of Pleven. The co-chairman for the creative organisation of the festival is the director of the "Ivan Radoev" Theatre.
The Organising Committee has the right to choose, or not, an external selector to choose the participants in the festival.
The Organising Committee takes all decisions related to the organisation and running of the festival by a simple majority.
The Organising Committee promotes the festival through media partnerships and a social-media profile.
III. SYMBOLS OF THE FESTIVAL
The name: Puppet Festival „Shareno Petle“ – Pleven
The logo of the festival
IV. FESTIVAL REGULATIONS
Only professional actors and troupes of all kinds and genres, working in the field of puppet art, may take part in the festival. Applicants who have taken part in festivals, with international or national awards, have priority for participation.
The festival is organised in two parts: performances and creative workshops. Applicants may take part with proposals for both modules.
The festival is non-competitive in character.
Applicants submit their proposal for participation in writing with the following documents:
1. An application form using the standard template;
2. A video recording of a performance or part of it;
3. An annotation of the performance;
4. Photographs and promotional materials;
5. A technical specification of the production using the standard template;
6. All documents for participation are submitted at the Citizen Service Centre, 4 „Vazrazhdane“ Square, by 15 May of the current year.
The "Ivan Radoev" Theatre – Pleven takes part in the festival programme by right.
V. FUNDING OF THE FESTIVAL
1. The festival is funded from the budget of the Municipality of Pleven.
2. The budget of the festival is included in the Cultural Calendar of the Municipality of Pleven and is approved by a Decision of the Municipal Council.
3. The Organising Committee provides additional funds from sponsorship.
4. The distribution of the finances is carried out by the Organising Committee and approved by the Mayor of the Municipality of Pleven.
5. The participants’ expenses – travel and fee – are covered by the organiser.
6. The expenses of participants from abroad – travel within the territory of Bulgaria and fee – are covered by the organisers.
7. The chairman of the Organising Committee concludes a contract with the theatre troupes.
8. The expenses related to participation in the festival are paid against a financial document.
9. Control over the spending of the funds is exercised by the Municipality of Pleven.
VI. ADDITIONAL CLAUSES
The Statute of the festival is drawn up by the Organising Committee and approved by the Mayor of the Municipality of Pleven.
The Statute of the festival is adopted by a decision of the Municipal Council – Pleven.
All questions related to the festival and not regulated in this Statute are resolved by the Organising Committee and the applicable legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria.
From 30.06 to 05.07. 2026, for the ninth time in a row, the "Shareno Petle" Puppet Art Festival for all ages will be held in Pleven.
The program this year will be rich and diverse, and there will be many surprises for all viewers.
The morning outdoor performances will take place in the courtyard of the Regional History Museum, the creative workshops and performances will be held in different spaces of the Ivan Radoev Dramatic Puppet Theater.
Preliminary registrations for participation in the workshops and receipt of invitations for the performances will be made at the theater's box office from June 15, 2026.
The organizer of the festival is the Municipality of Pleven together with the Ivan Radoev Dramatic Puppet Theater - Pleven and the Art Office Foundation.
PROGRAM 2026
June 30
CLOSING OF THE FESTIVAL "SHARENO PETLE 2026"
BURGAS GLARUSIANS - Burgas Puppet Theater
18:00
Street performance in front of the theater
Idea and direction: Petar Todorov
Scenography: Ayten Ogyuju
Participants: Alexandra Ilieva, Asya Atanasova, Ivaylo Enev, Kalin Zafirov,
Nikolay Nikolov, Stanislava Kamenova-Zafirova
Performance for children 3+
Tsura, Ruska, Veli, Viktor and Puhi - a gang of Burgas Glarusians, led by the sea rescuer Shamandur Palamudov, has arrived in the city. Why?! What is happening?! With what intentions have they flown in?! Will they create tension and chaos on the city streets, or
just want to entertain us?!
Exhibition of scenography by Hanna Schwartz
Idea and realization: Hanna Schwartz, Bulgaria
Hanna Schwartz is a scenographer with over 45 years of professional experience in theater, cinema and television. She graduated from the National Academy of Arts in 1978 and over the years has worked with a number of theaters in Bulgaria and abroad. She has produced productions at Theater 199, the Satire Theater, the Sofia Puppet Theater and numerous drama and puppet theaters in the country.
She is the recipient of Bulgarian and international awards, including the IKAR 2018 and IKAR 2019 awards for puppet theater. Along with her active creative activity, she participates in significant scenographic exhibitions and projects.
ZAVOD - Puppet Theater Stara Zagora
Big Stage
For Adults
Based on texts by Nikola Vaptsarov
Dramatization and direction: Polina Hristova
Scenography: Marina Yaneva
Choreography: Yavor Kunchev
Composer: Milen Apostolov
Consultant of the performance: Veselka Kuncheva
Assistant choreographer: Romina Slavova
Photographer: Alexander Bogdan Thompson
With the participation of: Vasilena Chernaeva, Denitsa Yanakieva - Georgieva, Elitsa Mateva,
Kiril Antonov, Lyuben Chanev, Lyubomir Zhelev, Tsveti Penyashki
"Zavod" is a performance about the Universe hidden in the soul of the little person.... Small not in age, but in importance. A performance about the importance of every person - of his thoughts, dreams and longings. To the one who is still searching for meaning in his presence on the Earth, but under the soot and oils from the machines he has hidden faith, courage and hope deep within himself. "Zavod" is a cry for man. A song for man. Love for man! Special thanks for the partnership of the Plovdiv State Opera for providing the performance of "Carmina Burana: O fortuna" by Carl Orff performed by a choir with conductor Dragomir Yosifov and an orchestra with conductor Emil Tabakov. The performance is realized with the financial support of the National Culture Fund,
Program for the Restoration and Development of State, Regional and Municipal Cultural
Institutes 2022.
July 1
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS - Burgas Puppet Theater
Park of the Regional History Museum
by the Brothers Grimm
Director: Iroslav Petkov
Scenography and puppets: Maria Ibrishimova
Music: Mira Iskarova, Yavor Namliev
Participants: Alexandra Ilieva, Ivaylo Enev
Performance for children 3+
You all know the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In our performance you will see it exactly as it is in the fairy tale: the stepmother, the hunter, the magic mirror, the string, the comb, the apple...
All this will come to life before your eyes thanks to two charming and very talented
actors.
Only two? – you will say. - And the seven dwarfs?
How?
Come and see!
COLORFUL RUGS - Creative workshop for children with Trio Theater Burgas
Within the workshop, children will have the opportunity to create their own
rugs using pre-prepared sets of colorful paper
strips of different widths. They will arrange and glue them onto a cardboard base,
using dry glue, and have complete freedom to create unique and colorful
compositions according to their preferences.
SOFIA AND THE FLYING BED - co-production of I AM Studio Sofia and National Theatre
“Izvor -1959” - Pleven
Chamber stage
by Momchil Koritarov
Director: Alexander Yordanov
Composer: Milen Apostolov
Scenography and puppets: Elena Tsonkova
Participants: Mariana Petrova, Mariela Bogdanova, Ivan-Alexander Doychev,
Tsvetelina Lazeva
Performance for children
This is a story, glorious, wonderful,
both instructive and interesting.
About a special girl with red hair,
a flying bed and bold dreams!
Together with a wise, chatty cat,
they travel the world all the way to Brazil,
but in the end they return to where
their heart irresistibly draws them.
On their way, our dear dreamers
meet a number of strange friends
with jokes, teasing, games, entertainment,
exciting moments and adventures.
We invite you to fly together
and follow their feat
in a dizzying flight with a tailwind,
children, welcome to our theater!
RONYA THE ROBBER'S DAUGHTER - Plovdiv Puppet Theater
Big Stage
by Astrid Lindgren
Dramatization: Johan Gil
Director: Hristina Arsenova
Music: Gergana Anmahyan and Alex Anmahyan
Scenographer: Emeliana Toteva
Participants: Natalia Vasileva, Lyubov Zheleva, Velizar Evtimov and Dimitar Nikolov -
Shablata
For family audiences 5+
For two hundred years, the robber clans of Matis and Burka had been at enmity. The enmity between them was passed down from father to son and no one even remembered why they actually hated each other. But the hatred had become a part of their lives. And everything would have continued for who knows how long, if one day this had not happened - the robber Matis had a daughter
- Ronya.
At the same time, Matis' mortal enemy, Burka, had a son - Birk. Not long after, the two children met and everything went wrong... Or did it work out?
A "robbery" story about true friendship, childish self-confidence and not so childish determination that can change everything for the better.
July 02
TELEPHONE 112... CALL - Vesel Theater - Veliko Tarnovo
Park of the Regional History Museum
Director: Veselin Vassilev
Scenography: Emeliana Toteva
Music: Petar Atanaschev
Participants: Elka Balanova, Veselin Vassilev
Performance for children
"If you are in trouble, call 112! Remember the rescue number!" is the leading motif of the
performance. Mrs. Resident and Mr. Guardian take care of the harmony of our
planet, and the Central Tower is their main assistant.
A modern and dynamic spectacle, the plot of which examines contemporary issues:
ecology, disasters and accidents, separate waste collection, health and safe traffic on the roads.
FAIRYTALE HEROES - Creative workshop for children with artists from DKT-Pleven
"Fairytale Heroes" is a creative workshop in which children will immerse themselves in the magical world of fairy tales and create their favorite characters. Using various materials,
colors and imagination, the little participants will create fairy-tale characters, which will then come to life in fun stories and games.
Under the guidance of the artists, the children will glue and decorate their characters, developing their creativity. The workshop will turn creativity into a real
adventure, filled with smiles, fantasy and unforgettable emotions.
MUSIC IN YOUR POCKET – Art Land Sofia
Chamber Stage
Author, director and set designer: Maria Banova
Song lyrics, music and performance: Dimo Stoyanov P.I.F.
Participants: Mariana Petrova and Iliyaz Ilyaz
For children from 3 to 7 years old
The performance develops the idea of “revived music”, in which musical instruments
and notes become stage characters with their own character and behavior. At the
center of the action is little Frida, who causes chaos and creates funny
moments in search of the notes.
Through a series of short stage etudes, the audience is introduced to basic musical
instruments – guitar, piano, flute, drum and double bass, as well as basic concepts such as
rhythm, tempo and musical notes. The performance uses humor, visual expressiveness and
active imagination to turn the perception of music into an emotional and
memorable experience.
The project has an educational and cultural character, stimulating children's interest in musical art and developing their sensitivity to sound, rhythm and stage action.
KOSE BOSE - DKT Haskovo
A large stage
based on the tale of Ran Bosilek
Director: Leonard Capon
Scenography and puppets: Hanna Schwartz
Music: Elena Metodieva
Poster: Yanina Petrova
Photos: Dimitar Mitev
Participants: Stefana Dunkova, Nelina Mihaylova, Lyubomir Vassilev
Leo Capon: "As always, my productions are intended for both children and their parents. That is why we have introduced many new characters, with new motives... Let's see how
sometimes in our desire to do good, we use a little lie, a little deception and
things become completely different. But when the desire is for good, the ending is always
happy."
July 03
GAMES IN THE GRANDMOTHER'S GARDEN - Dragonfly Theater, Romania
Regional History Museum Park
Scripts, artistic direction and scenography: Vera Stoikova
Assistant director: Lika Gergilescu
Musical arrangement: Lika Gergilescu
Participants: Inga Marcu, Gratian Prisacariu, Rowena Paraskivoi, Daniel Minchuna
For children 3+
In a world where speed and technology seem to have replaced fairy tales told by the fireplace, this performance reminds us of the joy of simple things. In our grandparents' yard, where the smell of fresh hay and childhood can be felt, pots, spoons and brooms come to life, turning into animals, birds and heroes in a magical world where imagination is in full swing. While playing, children discover Romanian folk traditions, respect for nature and the joy of simple work.
This performance invites the audience to use their imagination to transform the world around them, in order to find a balance between dream and reality. This is not just a story told through puppets, but rather a lesson in creativity, community, a healthy lifestyle, closeness to nature and the stories of our childhood.
COSMOS - Creative Studio for Children with Art Land Theater, Sofia
Step by Step with Art Land - Making Dolls
For children from 4 to 10 years old
The models are prepared with a complexity that corresponds to the abilities of the children and their age. The goal of the studio is to introduce children to different techniques for making dolls, helping to develop their creativity, dexterity and aesthetics.
Duration: 60 minutes
HANSEL AND GRETEL - DKT Pleven
Chamber stage
Dramatization and direction: Ivan Zhuntovski
Scenography: Dilyana Asenova
Composer: Tsvetoslav Toshev
Puppet making: Dilyana Asenova, Evgeniya Lacheva, Emilia Kovacheva and Petar
Chekurov
Participants: Ivan-Alexander Doychev, Mariela Bogdanova, Maria Rushanova,
Nikolay Stoychev
For children 5+
Come with us on a journey to the theater, filled with magic, adventure,
a little mystery and lots, lots, lots of SUGAR!
The beloved fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm "Hansel and Gretel" will come to life on stage to
introduce us to a brother and sister facing their greatest fears. The magical forest is full of secrets, but what is hidden in the thicket? Scary apparitions, terrible shadows or Grandma Sweet, who is not sweet at all. The Ugly Duckling will also join our adventure. What does it have to do with the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel? Come and find out!
Little Red Riding Hood - Haskovo Theatre Company
Big Stage
by the Brothers Grimm
Dramatization and direction: Leonard Capon
Set design and puppets: Hanna Schwartz
Composer: Plamen Petkov
Cast: Nelina Mihaylova, Stefana Dunkova, Iliyan Dikov, Lyubomir Vassilev
Why, after more than 300 years, are we still telling the story of the girl, the wolf and the path through the forest? Maybe because children need fairy tales to prepare them for the real world. Maybe because sometimes the simplest stories hide the most complex truths.
Maybe because we want good to always win, family to be the most important, and everyone to deserve a second chance.
Maybe because the true magic of a fairy tale is not in what it teaches us about the wolves in the forest, but in what it reveals to us about the wolf within ourselves.
Let's travel together to the world of fairy tales - where our childhood dreams come alive - and we will understand.
Maybe...
July 4
FAIRY TALE FUNNY WHEEL - Male-Male Theater, Sofia
Park of the Regional History Museum
Idea by Maria Dzhoykeva-Deneva and Petromil Denev
Dramatural adaptation: Maria Dzhoykeva-Deneva and Petromil Denev
Director: Petromil Denev
Scenography: Verzhiniya Petkova
Participants: Petromil Denev
Performance for children
The Fairy Tale Funny Wheel is coming to your city, bringing with him the magic of magical stories and unforgettable adventures. Our talented storyteller has prepared for you fairy tales that will transport you to other worlds and times, where everything is possible and the boundaries of imagination are endless. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of joy and fantasy, and let the magic take over you. Come and have fun together and create memories that will stay with us forever!
COLORFUL FAERIA - Creative studio for children with Art Strat - Burgas
This workshop will teach children how to create their own unique
panel on a decorative plastic mesh
by "weaving" colored ribbons and small artificial flowers into it. How they can very easily make a beautiful paper flower from tissue paper by unfolding and shaping. How to make a flower ring from chenille wire (plush wires).
Fun, entertaining, interesting, fascinating.
KAI THE TIGER FROM THE BIG LAKE - co-production of I AM Studio and the association
ENSO
Chamber stage
Author: Magda Borisova
Director: Iva Nikolova
Scenographer: Vanya Yacheva
Composer: Angel Beshev
Participants: Ivan Zhuntovski, Ivan-Alexander Doychev, Mariela Bogdanova, Boris
Litov, Evia Filipova
Performance for children
Very close to a city, in a lake – which was actually a dam – lived a little fish named Kai. He still swims there today… but he has grown up.
Kai inhabited the waters of the dam together with his large family and numerous friends. He was sociable, brave and curious. All day long, he and the other young fish would swim in the shallows, play hide and seek and discover new delicacies.
Life in the lake flowed peacefully and carefree… until the day something incredible happened. Something unknown and scary appeared in the waters.
What was it?
And will the little fish find enough courage to save his home?
Watch the story of a little fish with a big heart – a story about friendship, courage and the strength to believe in yourself.
Thus, Kai became known as the tiger of the big lake.
ALADDIN AND THE MAGIC LAMP - Ruse Puppet Theater
Musical based on the tale from "One Thousand and One Nights"
Big Stage
Director: Todor Valov
Dramatization: Dimitar Pishev and Todor Valov
Composer: Plamen Mirchev - Mirona
Scenography: Dilyana Asenova
Vocal teachers: Plamen Mirchev and Plamena Angelova
Song lyrics: Dimitar Pishev, Todor Valov and Plamen Mirchev
Choreography: Zornitsa Petrova
Assistant directors: Rozalina Pencheva and Rumyana Dzhambazova
Participants: Vasil Marinov, Gergana Libova, Dimitar Pishev, Iveta Marinova,
Lyuben Rusenski, Martin Pashov, Radinela Toteva, Svetlina Stancheva, Sergio
Avakyan and Hristina Stoyanova
A performance for family audiences
Inspired by the golden pages of "One Thousand and One Nights", the performance of the Puppet Theater - Ruse tells the eternal tale of an ordinary boy who sets out on the path of maturation. Aladdin - naive, ignorant and susceptible to temptations, is drawn into a dangerous game by the powerful magician Kadar. However, the meeting with the genie from the lamp changes his fate. The genie turns out to be not just a servant fulfilling wishes and whims, but a wise guide who leads him to spiritual and moral change. The musical combines original music and live songs, contemporary choreography, impressive scenography and life-sized puppets to transport the viewer to a world of wonders, where flying carpets, genies and princesses coexist with human weaknesses and hopes. Behind the spectacular form lies a deep story about the temptations of the easy path, about trust and the power of inner change. The production is realized with the financial support of the National Culture Fund.
July 05
WHO WILL LAUGH LAST - White Dove Theater, Czech Republic
Park of the Regional History Museum
Directed by: Roni Albrecht
Scenography: Dimitar Dimitrov
Music: Michele Biki Paniti
Participating: Dimitar Dimitrov
A combination of two traditional Czech farces for glove puppets, combined with the typical Czech marinettes. The story takes us into the world of the folk hero of the Czech puppet theater, Kašparek, who is convinced that with cunning and rudeness he will achieve his goals, but
reality is, of course, on the side of justice.
Closing of the festival!