The representative folk ensemble Shevitsa brings the spectacle "Zmeyova Svatba" ("The Dragon's Wedding") to the State Opera in Varna on November 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. This is the Varna premiere of the one-act music and dance fairy tale in three scenes.

It is based on Petko Yu. Todorov's 1910 play of the same name. Behind the folk plot lies a true story: the relationship between the poet Peyo Yavorov and Mina Todorova, the author's sister, who are the models for the Dragon and Tsena. The spectacle marks the 111th anniversary of Yavorov's death, and for many Bulgarians their fate is one of the most tragic love stories in the national culture.

Shevitsa was founded in 2014 by choreographer Petar Angelov, who is also responsible for the concept, direction and choreography. Today more than 90 people from different professions dance and sing in the ensemble, and since 2016 it has been a member of the international organisation CIOFF. The music is by Petyo Krastev, the consultant is Professor Georg Kraev, set and costumes are by Tatyana Hristova, and actor Stefan Milkov makes a special appearance.

Tickets on bilet.bg cost 12 to 25 euros, roughly 740 to 1,540 denars. Folk customs, songs and dances woven into a dramatic story are a different route to folklore than an ensemble concert.