The legendary musical HAIR, premiering at OPERA OPEN at the Ancient Theatre

PERA OPEN 2025 presents the premiere of the musical HAIR by Gerome Ragni, James Rado, and Galt MacDermot on August 24 at 8:30 PM at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv. Created more than half a century ago, this work remains emblematic of the anti-war movement in the USA against the Vietnam invasion and of the hippie era. Six of its songs are included in Billboard’s list of the 100 greatest hits of the 20th century.

One of the most successful musicals in the history of the genre is staged by director Veselka Kuncheva, conductor Konstantin Dobroikov, set designer Marieta Golomehova, and choreographer Yavor Kunchev – the same team behind the cult production Jesus Christ Superstar. The premiere production features Niketsa, Tsveti Penyashki, Elena Sirakova, Edit Undjian, Michael Fleming, Yoan Popov, Gergana Tsakova, Kalina Kostova, Gergina Peykova, Gabriela Stamova, Elin Stoyanov, Mihaela Goncheva, and Todor Borisov, together with the chorus, ballet, and orchestra of the Plovdiv State Opera.

The Plovdiv Opera production takes the audience beyond the familiar film version – back to the roots and authentic spirit of the work, with a new directorial concept, impressive scenography, and lively, energetic performance. The musical raises questions that feel painfully relevant today: Is war necessary? Is love salvation? How does one preserve individuality in a world of submission? Is racism a form of war? Does power change people?

“Our production is a little different – it’s not what people know from the film,” shares Maestro Konstantin Dobroikov. On stage, the performers sing continuously – without distinction between “main” and “supporting” roles – creating a sense of a united, equal troupe and powerful ensemble energy.

HAIR is not just a musical; it is an act of defiance! A ritual of rejection. A rejection of the normal, the convenient, the orderly, the taken-for-granted. This is not a performance that offers comfort. It is a performance that asks: Whom do you choose? Because the choice is not only political. It is physical and spiritual. Life or death. Your body and your soul, or someone else’s power. HAIR is neither a commemoration nor a musical celebration. HAIR is a warning. Because nothing is over. Wars continue. Only the geographical coordinates change. And as long as there are those who remember, there will be those who resist. Peace now. Freedom now.” – comments director Veselka Kuncheva.

The next performance at the Ancient Theatre will be on September 12. Tickets are available at the Plovdiv Opera box office, through the Eventim network, and online at eventim.bg and grabo.bg.

The premiere is supported financially by the Ministry of Culture. HAIR is presented under agreement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Tams Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk