AUBG-founded theater collective NDNA Productions is taking center stage at one of the most prestigious performing arts events in Europe — the Sibiu International Theater Festival (FITS) in Romania. Their production “Drowning Ophelia” is the only Bulgarian play selected for the official program of the 32nd edition of the festival, which will take place from June 20 to June 29, 2025.
With more than 800 events and participants from across the globe, FITS is the second-largest theater festival in Europe and a hub for international producers, curators, and cultural leaders. The selection of “Drowning Ophelia” is by direct invitation from the festival’s curatorial team — a recognition that places the work of AUBG students and alumni on a world-class stage.
“The festival is a huge opportunity — not just to perform, but to connect with theater professionals from around the world,” shared producer Hristo Milev. “I could hardly believe it when we got the invitation. FITS is massive — and we’re honored to be there.”
A Year of Bold Theater-Making
Founded in early 2024 by AUBG students Anastasia “Nana” Dimitrova (’25) and Neda Aleksov (’25), NDNA Productions quickly evolved into a collective of young actors, designers, organizers, and visual artists united by a shared passion for experimental and physical theater.
The company’s mission is to explore the intersection of language and movement through English-language productions that challenge audiences to abandon comfort and embrace the intensity of live performance. In just one year, NDNA has premiered two original productions, staged over 30 performances in Bulgaria and abroad, and collaborated with key partners and mentors from the international arts community. The main partner of the foundation is an independent space for contemporary art and culture in Sofia “Scene DERIDA”.
Productions
Drowning Ophelia
Jane keeps her world under control—strict routines, carefully crafted conversations, nothing left to chance. But when Ophelia appears—childlike, eerie, impossible—Jane’s reality begins to crack.
Drowning Ophelia dives into the brutal mechanics of trauma. Time fractures, roles blur, and the line between memory and illusion collapses. Our bodies remember—even when we try to forget.
By: Rachel Luann Strayer
Directed by: Anastasia ‘Nana’ Dimitrova
Choreography: Djordjia Niamova
Stage & Costume Design: Anastasia ‘Nana’ Dimitrova
Sound Design: Vera Arzumanyan (’23) and Maria-Viktoria Mitova (’23)
Lighting: Alex Iliev (’23) and Viktoria Taneva (’25)
Photography & Videography: Vera Arzumanyan, Alex Iliev, Monika Boyadzhieva (’23), Niko Kodzhalidze (’23)
Design: Martin Milev
Producer: Hristo Milev
Partner: DERIDA Dance Center
Cast: Neda Aleksov as Ophelia, Anastasia ‘Nana’ Dimitrova as Jane, Georgi Petkov (’23) as Adam, Stefan Gyurov as Edmund, Teona Sima (’25) as Voice/Samantha
"Drowning Ophelia" "Drowning Ophelia"
No Exit
Unlike life, death has no conclusion. And in the death of someone who has failed to live freely, there is no salvation either.
Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit brings together three strangers in hell, where they are forced to confront their lives, their regrets, and each other—over and over again.
"No Exit"
"No Exit"
By: Jean-Paul Sartre
Directed by: Anastasia ‘Nana’ Dimitrova
Set & Costume Design: Anastasia ‘Nana’ Dimitrova
Sound Design: Vera Arzumanyan and Maria-Viktoria Mitova
Lighting: Alex Iliev
Photography: Vera Arzumanyan
Graphic Design: Martin Milev
Trailer: Alex Iliev and Vera Arzumanyan
Live Captioning: Evgenia Trifonova (’22)
Directorial Advisor: Nedyalko Delchev
Operations Manager: Hristo Milev
Cast: Georgi Petkov, Neda Aleksov, Anastasia ‘Nana’ Dimitrova, Viktor Tumbev
