Javor Gardev's Manifesto for Ecstatic Theater Through Triumviratus Art Group

Based in Sofia, Bulgarian director Javor Gardev, along with Georgi Tenev and Nikola Toromanov, established the Triumviratus Art Group, which emphasizes theater, performance, literature, video art, and radio. Their latest work is Heiner Mueller's Quartett. Gardev's manifesto promotes "ecstatic" theater, prioritizing ritual and choreography over traditional storytelling to rejuvenate contemporary performance. The term ecstasis, meaning "standing outside," encourages empathy rather than intellectual engagement, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek cults. This approach embraces excess and enthusiasm, fostering a shared experience through performance. Like the ancient chorodidascalos, the director navigates the balance between safety and artistic expression. Pavel Popov translated the manifesto, which was published on May 18, 2000.