Ivan Milev theatre decorations
Bulgarian National Theatre Sofia
Another field of artistic expression of Ivan Milev was his work as theatre decorator. He made of his first experiences with this artform in Kazanlak in 1919, where he ellaborated the decorations for a theatric evening dedicated to the ancient cultures.
It was in autumn 1923 that he began work as a scene designer for the theatre "Satire" in Sofia. From this year untill his death he collaborated closely with the painter Ivan Penkov (1897 - 1957) with whom he shared a modern artistic vision.
Ivan Milev has also designed theatre decorations for the National Bulgarian Theatre of Sofia, including plays like "The one who gets slapped" by L. Andreev (1924), "Princess Tyrandot" by K. Gozzi (1924) and "Midsummer night's dream" by Shakespeare (1926).
The contribution of Ivan Milev to the Bulgarian theatre decoration is fundamental as his illusionary-decorative style replaced the academic-realistic tradition. The features of his theatre decorations follows the main characteristics of his paintings of the second period (1920 - 1925), always stressing the use of Bulgarian motives and ornaments. Unfortunately, all of his decorations have been lost during a fire in the National Theatre in 1923. The few remaining works and sketches make a complete evaluation of his work very difficult.
The profound and sincere dedication of Ivan Milev to his people brought him also to participate in the national call announced in 1925 for the design of the monument in Shipka to commemorate the liberating fight of the Bulgarians against the Turkish oppressors in 1876. From the proposal, ellaborated together with Vasil Vicev (1899 - 1977), have survived sketches and the finished project proposal.