Ikar awards presented at an official ceremony at the National Theatre in Sofia

The Ikar Performing Arts Awards will be presented at an official ceremony at “Ivan Vazov” National Theatre in Sofia on March 27 - the World Theatre Day, the Union of Bulgarian Actors said.

The most prestigious performing arts awards in Bulgaria will be handed out for the 50th time, honouring artists in 23 categories.

The ceremony is broadcast live today at 7 p.m. on BNT 2 and recorded on March 28 at 10 p.m. on BNT 1.

Steliyan Radev and Katrin Gacheva will host the Ikar Awards ceremony this year. At the event at the National Theatre, the young actors will also perform musical excerpts together with the ladies' ethnic choir Vakari, the Union of Artists in Bulgaria said.

The guests will be welcomed in front of the National Theatre by the artists of the Canetex troupe and the rubber woman Sirma Dobreva. Actor Dimitar Marinov will present one of the special awards at the ceremony.

Three special awards will be presented. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilyana Tomova will receive an award for achievements in teaching, stage designer Vecheslav Parapanov will receive an award for honour and dignity, and actress Maria Kavardzhikova will be awarded for her outstanding contribution to Bulgarian theatre.

The event is part of the 19th edition of the Sofia Theatre Salon.

The proceeds from the sale of tickets are earmarked for the health fund of the Union of Bulgarian Actors, through which members of the Union are supported in life-saving operations. Since 2007, over 150 actors have been supported thanks to this fund.

Source: BTA