“We were there, and now we are here” – interactive performance at the Christo and Jean Claude Centre, Gabrovo
On February 28 (Saturday) at 15:00. The Christo and Jean Claude Centre in Gabrovo becomes a stage for an unusual and interactive artistic experience. The performance “We were there and now we are here” is presented as part of the project of the Municipality of Gabrovo “Crossing Point – meeting between different genres, cultures, generations and audiences”, funded under the procedure BG-RRP-11.021 “New generation of local cultural policies for large municipalities” of the National Culture Fund.
What to expect
“We Were There and Now We Are Here” offers a direct encounter with the community within a multidisciplinary performative form that brings together different artistic approaches and perspectives. The audience is invited not only to observe but to participate – through sharing, conversations and improvisations that transform the event into a communal experience and an atmosphere created ‘live’.
Creative team
The idea and the overall realization are the choreographer Galina Borisova. The space comes to life with the set design by Elena Tsviatkova, the musical environment is the work of Vladimir Vlaev, the visual narrative is shot by Krum Yankov, the moments are captured through the lens of Boris Yanev, and the poster bears the handwriting of Ioanna Borisova.
The artists at the centre of the action
At the heart of the performative form are four distinguished artists – Willy Prager, Neli Georgieva, Stefan A. Shterev and Sasha Krustarska. They explore the space, tell personal stories, create manifestos and invite everyone present to become an active part of what is happening.
Space as a partner
The set includes four partitions made of tin boxes, an unusual material that shapes a new space and adds value for participants and audience.
Two artists share personal memories and stories from the early 1990s related to the now defunct Experimental Variety Theatre – Gabrovo, while two dancers explore the space of the Christo and Jean Claude Centre through choreographic structures and improvisations.
Video screening, workshop and conversation with the audience
The program includes a video screening with interviews in which questions are generated by artificial intelligence – a bridge between the past and contemporary technology.
There is also a workshop with young people and children that turns the presentation into a celebration of movement, dance and theatrical play, offering alternative methods of expression and interaction.
The finale is an open conversation with the audience on how we envision the inclusion and integration of the new Christo and Jean Claude Center space into the life of Gabrovo and what our role is in the social systems we are building together.
About the project and funding
The project is implemented under the procedure BG-RRP-11.021 “A new generation of local cultural policies for large municipalities”, funded by the Recovery and Sustainability Mechanism through the National Culture Fund, under the conditions of the PPA No 114/2022 and Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Contract No BG-RRP-11.021-0008-C01/29.10.2025.
“Point of Intersection ” – meeting between different genres, cultures, generations and audiences