Hopa Tropa

Hopa Tropa brings together Bulgarian and American artists to present the best of Bulgarian heritage with the use of folk objects, puppets, and story-telling from the rich Bulgarian culture and tradition. The troupe introduces children to the rhythm, distinctive sounds, and rituals of ancient Bulgarian culture through a unique puppet system that is rarely used in the world.Lilia Slavova, Director, is a celebrated choreographer, puppeteer, acing coach and talent scout. She received her MFA Degree in dramatic Arts with an emphasis on screen, stage, and television work from the renowned Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria. She has over twenty year of experience, performing and teaching in Europe, the Former Soviet Union and the United States.

Hopa Tropa brings together Bulgarian and American artists to present the best of Bulgarian heritage with the use of folk objects, puppets, and story-telling from the rich Bulgarian culture and tradition. The troupe introduces children to the rhythm, distinctive sounds, and rituals of ancient Bulgarian culture through a unique puppet system that is rarely used in the world.

Lilia Slavova, Director, is a celebrated choreographer, puppeteer, acing coach and talent scout. She received her MFA Degree in dramatic Arts with an emphasis on screen, stage, and television work from the renowned Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria. She has over twenty year of experience, performing and teaching in Europe, the Former Soviet Union and the United States. She has received many awards and recognition. Many of her students perform on Broadway, and in theatres throughout the Washington metropolitan area, including the Shakespeare Theatre, the Kennedy Center, and the Classika Theatre.

Ivan Dimitrov, Choreographer, brings to young people a new vision of world music and dance that has not yet been experienced in the Greater Washington area. The complex rhythms and infectious styling of music from the various regions of Bulgaria grab audiences and delight them from the start. Ivan owns more than 700 costumes, all of which are colorful and intricately embroidered and woven, and represent each geographical region. The music and costumes come together and meld into the beautifully choreographed dances that Ivan has composed and staged. In his native Bulgaria, Ivan organized and ran a company of seventy and a children's school and performing group. To this day, his main interest and one of his goals is in the development of children and the opening of their minds and hearts to the beauty of Bulgarian culture. In the short time that Ivan has lived in the D.C. area, his group has been warmly received at the Bulgarian Embassy, World Bank, Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Cherry Blossom Festival opening ceremonies, Greater Washington International Folk Festival, Fairfax County Spotlight by Starlight, the Fairfax Fair, as well as smaller venues, such as at area malls, weddings, and schools.

Antonio Petrov, Set Designer, is an accomplished Bulgarian artist known for his sculptures and interior designs.

Petko Kolev, Composer, is an accomplished musician from Bulgaria, currently living in DC Metro area.

Julia Tasheva, Puppeteer, holds a master’s degree in puppetry from the National Academy of Film and Theater Art in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is an award-winning puppeteer, having won Best Actress in the Bulgarian National Puppetry Awards for her role as Pinocchio. Ms. Tasheva is also an accomplished mime who has toured Europe with the Theatre for New Forms and Balagan Mime Theatre. She has an extensive background in a wide variety of puppet systems, as well as experience with acting, pantomime, teaching, and directing throughout the Washington metro area.

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10/21/09: Hopa Tropa

Bulgaria’s Ambassador Theater presents Hopa Tropa featuring amusing and interactive folk tales from Bulgaria.

Hopa Tropa

Bulgaria’s Ambassador Theater presents Hopa Tropa featuring amusing and interactive folk tales from Bulgaria.

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