The Bees
July 10 2026, 8:00-9:00 PM
Sofia
An extraordinary lecture on the society of bees, juggling theatre, dance, music, games and interactive objects, but above all — proven scientific facts from the latest research into the lives of these insects.
Everyone has known bees since childhood. They are almost always portrayed as the good guys. But how much do we really know about them and the remarkable way they have built a super-society that operates as a single collective organism? Is there something we can learn from them that could help us foster greater harmony and cooperation among ourselves? And do bees have a sense of humor?
Bees is an interactive performance lecture that uses theatrical means to present the latest scientific discoveries about bees, the structure of their society and the way it functions. Inspired by the remarkable characteristics of this species, the interdisciplinary team focuses on social roles within the hive, successful strategies for harmonious coexistence, the causes behind the decline of bee populations and their vital role in ecosystems.
For BEES 36 Monkeys has brought together a team of scientists and artists to create an informative, interactive, entertaining and memorable experience for audiences.
Since 2008 this has been the theatre organization’s fifth project in the field of science theatre and the fourth collaboration between researcher Antonia Hubancheva and director Gergana Dimitrova.
Team:
Authors: Gergana Dimitrova (theatre artist), Dr. Antonia Hubancheva (ecologist) / Dramaturgy: Gergana Dimitrova and Zdrava Kamenova / Visual Design, Costumes and Interactive Objects: Elena Shopova / Music: Pavel Terziyski / Director: Gergana Dimitrova / Scientific Consultant and Lecturer: Dr. Antonia Hubancheva / Featuring: actress Manuela Sarkisyan
36 Monkeys is a non-governmental organization (public-benefit association) founded in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2007. Its mission is to support the development of diverse and meaningful contemporary art and culture. The organization’s long-term strategy is built on the idea of expanding and diversifying the non-institutional and informal environment for creating art in Bulgaria and beyond. We believe that this approach helps democratize and revitalize cultural life.
Gergana Dimitrova is a director, translator, author, producer and researcher. She holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, directing from NATFA Krastyo Sarafov and directing from the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in Berlin. Since 2006 she has worked as a freelance director in Bulgaria and Germany.
She has directed over 30 theatre productions across a wide range of genres and formats, both on stage and in non-theatrical spaces, many of which she has also produced and managed. In 2012, she received two Ikar awards for direction and dramaturgy for the play Praehidno, co-written with Zdrava Kamenova, followed by numerous nominations and awards for her work at Bulgarian and international festivals.
In 2007 she co-founded the theatre collective Organization for Contemporary Alternative Art and Culture – 36 Monkeys (www.36monkeys.org), based in Sofia, where she serves as artistic director. She is currently the Deputy Director for Artistic and International Affairs at the Drama-Puppet Theatre in Vratsa.
This project was realized with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Beautiful Science Foundation.
The presentation is part of the project Creation of New Cultural Products in the Urban Environment – Presentation in Sofia (Nine Elephants Festival) and Berlin (C*Space), funded under Component 11 Social Inclusion, Investment 6 Development of the Cultural and Creative Sectors, Procedure BG-RRP-11.020, Grant Scheme Creation of Bulgarian Productions and Co-productions in the CCI Sector and their Promotion in European and International Arts Markets of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The entire responsibility for the content of the project lies with Blue Cube Foundation and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this document reflects the official position of the European Union or the National Culture Fund.
Links
Presentation of an audio guide that can be listened to individually or in a group during a walk through the city