01:49Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the National Theater in Sofia on Thursday in protest against a play directed by Hollywood actor John Malkovich, which they claim portrays Bulgarians in a bad light.
Footage shows angry crowds waving Bulgarian flags while pushing and shoving the play's producers as they attempted to enter the building. Protesters are seen with banners bearing slogans such as 'Malkovich go home'.
According to local reports, audience members were attacked by protesters, who prevented them from entering the theatre. The premiere was only shown to journalists and later broadcast online.
Protesters say the 19th-century play' Arms and the Man', based on the works of Bernard Shaw, is offensive due to its portrayal of Bulgarian characters. Malkovich stated that he had no intention of mocking anybody, while the Union of Bulgarian Writers criticised the show.
Despite the backlash, the show will continue its run, with producers hoping the unrest will subside.
'Malkovich go home!' - Violence outside Sofia theatre as Hollywood actor's play sparks protests
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the National Theater in Sofia on Thursday in protest against a play directed by Hollywood actor John Malkovich, which they claim portrays Bulgarians in a bad light.
Footage shows angry crowds waving Bulgarian flags while pushing and shoving the play's producers as they attempted to enter the building. Protesters are seen with banners bearing slogans such as 'Malkovich go home'.
According to local reports, audience members were attacked by protesters, who prevented them from entering the theatre. The premiere was only shown to journalists and later broadcast online.
Protesters say the 19th-century play' Arms and the Man', based on the works of Bernard Shaw, is offensive due to its portrayal of Bulgarian characters. Malkovich stated that he had no intention of mocking anybody, while the Union of Bulgarian Writers criticised the show.
Despite the backlash, the show will continue its run, with producers hoping the unrest will subside.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the National Theater in Sofia on Thursday in protest against a play directed by Hollywood actor John Malkovich, which they claim portrays Bulgarians in a bad light.
Footage shows angry crowds waving Bulgarian flags while pushing and shoving the play's producers as they attempted to enter the building. Protesters are seen with banners bearing slogans such as 'Malkovich go home'.
According to local reports, audience members were attacked by protesters, who prevented them from entering the theatre. The premiere was only shown to journalists and later broadcast online.
Protesters say the 19th-century play' Arms and the Man', based on the works of Bernard Shaw, is offensive due to its portrayal of Bulgarian characters. Malkovich stated that he had no intention of mocking anybody, while the Union of Bulgarian Writers criticised the show.
Despite the backlash, the show will continue its run, with producers hoping the unrest will subside.