An Inquiry into Performative Force, Interpretive Freedom, and Creative Autonomy
by Javor Gardev
“No other work in Bulgarian theatre studies offers such a rich interdisciplinary perspective on the phenomenon of directing.”
Prof. Veneta Doycheva, PhD
Concepts are employed with great subtlety and depth, both in anticipation of possible counterarguments and in order to construct a robust conceptual network that can anchor the topic and help keep it in view at all times.”
Prof. Violeta Decheva, DSc
“The concept of ‘processual performativity’ is one of the most important findings of this work, and it can be applied beyond the theatrical field. Processual performativity allows us to view directorial power as deferred power.”
Assoc. Prof. Darin Tenev, PhD
“Building on a variety of theoretical approaches, and using his own privileged experience as a starting point, Gardev focuses on what he describes as ‘a programmatic opportunity to think about power, freedom, and productivity along a single axis, as complementary.’ Exploring the question of the power of the theatre director, he attempts to construct a more holistic philosophy of power that is also a philosophy of freedom. His work in philosophy of theatre develops into a comprehensive philosophical project.”
Prof. Dimitar Vatsov, PhD
You can purchase the book here.
© Javor Gardev, PhD – author, 2024
© Maria P. Vassileva, PhD – translator, editor, 2025
© Prof. Hristo Todorov, PhD – scientific editor, 2024
© Daniela Oleg Lyahova – cover art and illustrations, 2001
© Nadezhda Oleg Lyahova – layout and design, 2025
© Janet 45 – publisher, 2025
