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“Lactobacillicum Bulgaricum” by Antonia Katrandjieva is a flight of fanciful dancing, movement and emotion that sweeps you away to Katrandjieva's world where the spirit meets movement in a performance of strength and power. Not to be misses… Linda Stasi, NY Post Columnist

OVERGROUND ARTS ALLIANCEE

In collaboration with

BULGARIAN CULTURAL CENTER BOSTON

to commemorate the
100 th Anniversary of the
Bulgarian-American Diplomatic Relations

Press Reviews: “Lactobacillicum Bulgaricum” by Antonia Katrandjieva is a flight of fanciful dancing, movement and emotion that sweeps you away to Katrandjieva's world where the spirit meets movement in a performance of strength and power..." Linda Stasi – NY Post More info>>

Project: Cross-cultural fertilization project – a blend of the Slavic & Asian mythology, philosophy and esotericism; an intricate mosaic, in which each nation preserves its spiritual heritage and yet creates a universal rainbow of multi-cultural integrity.

LBB is an experimental multi-cultural spectacle, promoting the rich diversity of cultures and national identities bubbling in the “Babylonian Pot” of New York City. The trilingual dramatic text seeks to extend beyond the lingual barriers of our verbal communication network and to reach a universal meaning in the context of world globalisation. The language is treated as an incantation, a melody, a zone of frequencies, a field resonating Earth's vibrations. In this respect the performance does not require the audience to literally understand the concrete meaning of each monologue, but to experience the intonation, the subtext, the undertones and nuances. English, Chinese and Bulgarian intertwine in an elaborate verbal tapestry - an appeal for mutual participation in the Human Design System, which despite our differences makes us a united family.

“LBB” is based on Bulgarian and Thracian Mythology and Folklore and intertwines motifs from the Chinese Book of Changes and the Buddhist Philosophy, thus portraying the paradigm shift, which Homosapiens makes from a dual to a multidimensional consciousness.

Objective : to weave the 7 arts into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of color, sound, vision, movement and speech.

Topic : The maturation of human consciousness allegorically portrayed through the fermentation of milk into Yoghurt.

Script based on philosophical sources : I Ching “The Book of Changes”; “Isis Unveiled” & “The Secret Doctrine” by H.P. Blavatsky; “Agny Yoga” by Helena & Nicholas Roerich; The teachings of Buddha; Thracian & Slav Mythology, Existential Philosophic doctrines.

Music: Nikolai Kolev, Vaisl Vasilev, Veneta Georgieva, George, Sotyan Royanov,

Actors: Swami Agung, - “Incognito ” the man without identity or the “Enlightened” Seeker of Truth

Antonia Katrandjieva, featuring “Bacteria ” or the ferment catalysing maturation

Painter & Stage Designer: Alexander Milenkovic - “Creative” Principle of the Universe.

Folk Dance Ensemble “Ludo Mlado ” choreographed by Petar Petrov with dancers: Nevena Radyonovska, Magdalena Marinova, Alexi Gaidarsky, Petar Petrov, Pierre Neville, Dobrin Draganov -Yhe Archetypal Structure of Collective Memory portrayed as an “Embroidery”bridging the past and the future.

In ancient times milk was put in lamb-skin bags that the ancient settlers wore on their waist. The body temperature and the unique micro-flora of the lamb bags aided the process of milk fermentation. When digested the yoghurt bacilli stimulate the microbe flora of flora and reducing the toxic rates create a new “floral immunity of man” a new body-mind “Homeostasis”.

Literally LBB is the bacteria which facilitates the fermentation of Milk into Yoghurt; in metaphorical sense, it is the ferment of a new human species that signifies the natural shift from the act of being to the act of becoming. For fermentation to occur one needs an adequate flora, a unique microclimate and an organism to fertilize the human Ecosystem. Currently as we are witnessing a new pluralistic paradigm shift towards globalization we are becoming more aware of the mental, psychic and spiritual Ecology, which we share as individual parts of a global village. The fermentation of milk into yoghurt witnesses the process in which man is exposed to a different environment, growing wiser and becoming aware of the transient nature of existence cropping and withering within the cyclic frame of Universal Order.

The performance portrays the process of converting milk into yoghurt through the ancient Chinese philosophic and spiritual doctrine “The Book of Changes” according to which the world represents a repetition of events, caused by the interaction of the forces of light and darkness through the major stages of human evolution – creation, preservation and destruction. Man is an intermediary between earth and sky subjected to the laws of periodicity and eternal recurrence and cast into the ocean of impermanence. The performance traces the permanent values in this impermanent world.

Milk is the symbol of life and Amrita – the cosmic milk is the divine nectar of Enlightenment. The symbolic texture of the performance portrays a rich gallery of archetypes, a plethora of images, such as the Creator of the Universe, the Concept of Trinity embedded in the story of the Father, the Son and the Holy ghost, the Wandering Hermit seeking the purpose of life, the Consumer and the Constant chain of craving and material attachment, Nirvana – the epitome of eternal bliss and self-realization. The mesmerizing kaleidoscope of characters, images, symbols and motifs evoke myriads of images from which new associations ensue.

The process of milking is the process of extracting; the process of fermentation is the process of leavening, of surrendering. This process of surrendering marks a shift from the preconditioned rationality of the scientist to the unconditioned beginner's mind of a Zen monk – a “nobody”, who wanders incognito across the Earth, homeless, purposeless, but mindful. Mindful enough to realize, that the purpose of life is the journey and not the outcome. The performance culminates with an ancient Thracian “Rain Ritual” – a symbolic catharsis of mental fertility, which purifies the minds and hearts of those present and allows us to unravel the secret of becoming a “nobody” in a world of “somebodies”, thus attaining Nirvana. Nirvana is not only the transcendental state of bliss, but also the door to the inner space of everyone, where the ego dissolves into the effervescence of the higher self. The key to this door is YOGHURT.

Overground Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization based in Brooklyn, NY. It was established in 1996 in Zurich by artists from different nationalities, confessions, and qualifications in the field of theatre, dance, music, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, film and poetry with the main objective of providing an open forum for art fusion, fostering new experiments in the emerging trends of art synthesis by establishing a “self-refinery” for optimal development of the intellectual, creative and spiritual potential of the individual of the new millennium. It represents an international creative laboratory, which promotes cultural, spiritual and creative exchange among artists, scientists, intellectuals and spiritual disciples.

The “OM” is a movement in art, culture and spirituality introducing a new cultural Renaissance in the Epoch of Synthesis, with the main motto “Unity in Diversity”. “OM” represents an Open Art Forum for attracting volunteers to contribute to the establishment of contemporary ethical and aesthetical platforms for the implementation of international creative, spiritual, scientific and cultural projects, stressing the most poignant issues of our time /war, terrorism, racial discrimination, ethnic inequity, natural resources depletion, environmental pollution, etc./. “OM” is an attempt to transcend the border of the existing vanguard trends of the Underground Art and to elevate the spiritual and creative credo of art “over the ground”, thus promoting the fusion of art, culture, religion, science and spirituality on a world scale. The appeal of the OM represents a declaration of MULTIFORMITY to all concerned to take part in this Cultural Reform at the beginning of the New Epoch. The Declaration of Interdependence of the OM is based on the cosmic law of correspondence, featuring New Man (Homonovus) as an evolving species in the interdependent hierarchy of phenomenal existence. “Overground” is an invitation to every individual to trace one's own "unity in diversity", and thus contribute to the writing of the new "Aquarian Bible".

Swami Agung - actor, co-founder of Overground Art Alliance

Born under the sign of Scorpio in 1959 Agung embarks on his spiritual journey at the age of 16 when he acquaints himself with the works of Elifas Levi, Agripa, Elena Blavatsky, Nikolai Roerich, Gurdjiev, Paramahansa Jugenanda and thus obtaining a wider view of the philosophical and esoteric doctrines decides to dedicate his life to extending the bridge between art and esotericism. Agung earns his M.A. in Acting at the National Academy of Theater and Film Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria. Parallel to his drama education Agung trains martial arts Viet Vu-Dao style and performs with Mime Studio “Alba”. He is a first prize- winner of the National Recital Contest held at the National Academy of Theater and Film Arts. His first book of critical poems “Flying towards the Sun” is published in 1982 in Sofia Publishing House and later becomes the basis of a script of a progressive avantgarde play “Alone among Sheep”. In 1982 he immigrates to Switzerland where he pursues his creative and spiritual quests. His frequent trips to India and Indonesia introduce the teaching of Yoga permanently into his life. His personal encounters with yogic celebrities like Iengar, Omkarananda, Brahmanchari, Sri-Chinmoy and Yesodian result in his opening of a Yoga and Martial Arts Center in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, which he runs for a decade. In 1992 he establishes a theater company “Serapis” which tours Switzerland, Italy, France, Holland and Belgium and his staged performances “The Unicorn” and “2 + 1 = 3” are awarded numerous prizes and Awards at International Festivals in Italy and Switzerland. In 1992 he visits India and undergoes an intensive Yoga training. Aiming to promote the concept of “Unity in Diversity” of cultures, religious, and esoteric teachings in 1993 Agung founds the “All who seek in all paths” creative-spiritual foundation in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 1995 he founds the avantgarde Studio for Experimental Theater “Serapis” under the auspices of NATFA and experiments in the field of Martial Arts and Theater. In 1997 settles on the island of Bali, Indonesia where he is initiated into the Latihan technique and into the secret brotherhood of Sandi Murti Spiritual Yoga. On his return from Bali Agung founds the Sandi Murti Spiritual Yoga Center in Sofia and Zurich and as a result establishes a new style blending spiritual practices of Yoga, Qi-Gong, Theosophy and Spiritual Science, called “Qi-Yo”. In 2000 founds the Overground Arts Alliance and participates in the Monte Verita Revival Project in Ascona, Switzerland. He lectures in Yoga, acting and pantomime at the ZTTS in Zurich and participates as a leading actor of the Overground Alliance. Currently Agung deploys his yoga expertise in New York.

Antonia Katrandjieva – director, choreographer, co-founder of Overground Arts Alliance.

Antonia is a high-honor graduate of the Sofia University “Kliment Ohridsky” majoring in Philosophy and the National Academy of Theater & Film Arts in Sofia Bulgaria, where she earned her BA in Acting & Pantomime, MFA in Directing and Ph.D in Theater Arts. After becoming the youngest doctoral fellow of the Academy she was appointed as Secretary of the Stage Movement Department and later as Senior Assistant to the Department. Prior to that she founded the Eon Experimental Actor's Laboratory to the National Academy of Theater & film Arts, the first avantgarde studio in Bulgaria, which blended Asian and European Performing styles and promoted the concept of Esoteric Theater, where she lectured in Dramaturgy, Modern Dance, Pantomime and Yoga. Antonia began her modern dance training at the “EK” Contemporary Dance Company in Sofia, where she performed for 9 years and then became choreographer of the “AR” Dance Company to the Bulgarian Contemporary Dance Association. She has lectured in Theater, Philosophy, Dance and Pantomime at the National Academy of Theater & Film Arts, at the American College in Sofia, at the International College of Arts in Denpasar, Bali and at Zurich Dance Theater School in Switzerland. She acquired her professional education in choreography and dance studies at the Zurich Tanz Theater Schule in Switzerland, where simultaneously she pursued a three-year extensive training program in Integral Yoga at the Om Karananda Spiritual Science Synthesis Center in Winthertur. Antonia has directed and staged numerous performances both home and abroad, some of which:

“20 c Crusaders”, “ Octaves of reflection”, “Copper tones”, “Embers from summer”,

“Kaleidoscope from Indonesia”, “Eon or how to heal with light”, “Thracian Moon”,

“ Brain traffic in the Milky Way”,“ Gospel 21”,“ Avatar”, ”Boundaries - Horizons”,

“Made in Heaven”, “Mandala”, “Aurora” etc. Antonia has authored the manual for contemporary actors “Intuitive Gesture” and numerous articles on Theater, Philosophy and Dance published in Bulgarian, Swiss and German Journals such as: “ The constellation of reformers in experimental theater”; “The theater of synthesis - style & genre fusion”; “Gestus 2000 - a recipe for the new actor”; “Rapid Creative Unfoldment Method”; “Cult and Trend” “ Metatron - Zarathustra 2000” a modern dissection of Nietzsche's Superman”; “Ci-Yo” – the seven fold path of Satvic Arousal etc. Currently Antonia lives and works in NY as a yoga and dance instructor and seeks to promote the concept of Esoteric Theater.

Petar Petrov choreographer, dancer

Petar starts his dance training at the early age of 7 and the Children's Dance Ensemble in the village of “Kopilovzi”. At the age of 9 he frequents the International Dance School at Kopilovtzi, which he completes until the age of 19 and then joins the Army. In the Army he founds a Dance Ensemble and two years later is awarded the Golden Prize for folk dance at the Republican Festival for Amateurs. He works in the Smoljan Folk Ensemble where he is appointed as leading dancer for six years. He then graduates the Choreography Department of the Musical Dance Academy in Plovdiv and in 1993 settles in the U.S. where he founds the 1 st Balkan Folklore Dance Company in Boston. He has participated in more than 20 concerts across the U.S. and in 1994 composes the choreography, which represents Bulgaria on the World Soccer Cup in Chicago.

After graduating his musical education at the specialized for Bulgaria folklore school of music in the village of Shiroka Laka, Nikolai Kolev began his career as a musician in an ensemble for folklore songs and dances in the town in Sliven. In the beginning of the 80's, he became the founder and musical director of the wedding orchestra “ Rose Valley” and later in 1992 he founded the folklore formation, “Balkan Voices”. The active concert activities, the numerous wedding and other entertaining celebrations as well as the join work with on of the best players and singers is a daily life of his. The vivid and perfected Thracian Style of playing makes Nikolai Kolev popular among the admirers and connoisseurs of the Bulgarian Folklore in the country as well as abroad.

Starts his first piano lessons at the age of four and later is admitted to the Musical School in Blagoevgrad. In 1988 is awarded 1 st Prize and the Special Award of the Pirin Foundation at the Pirin Folk Festival in Blagoevgrad. In 1997 completes the National School of Music “L. Pipkov” in Sofia majoring in Piano, Singing & Saxophone. A year later is awarded III Prize for Chamber Music at the National Youth Music Talent Contest held in Sofia In 1998 frequents the State Academy of Music “P. Vladigerov” majoring in piano & composition. Vasil participates at the International Jazz Festival, Ancona '99 and the International Jazz Festival in Bansko. In 2000 join Milano Big Band as pianist. Vasil is a student of the Zurich Academy of Music majoring in composition and saxophone and

Ana is a graduate of the Faculty of Journalistic and Mass Communications” at Sofia University “Kliment Ohridski” majoring in Public Relations. Since 1997 she works in the field of advertisement. She is the co-founder of producer's BIG BANG Advertisement Agency Communications, where she served as a artistic director and creative design manager and was the author of communication strategies for clients, such as А bsolut Vodka , PlayStation , Spetema Caf e , Bulgarian Red Cross etc.

Kalin is a graduate of the Film Faculty National Academy of Theater & Film Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria majoring as director of photography and cameraman. He deploys his expertise over a decade as co-producer and chief director of photography in the most popular Bulgarian Shows К u -К u & Canaletto. In 2000 earns his MFA in TV Production s in Brooklyn College and is included in the D ean ' s list . In 2000 joins CUNY TV , Cannel 75 and in 2002 is nominated with the Emmy Award for his work on the Study With The Best transmission.

Alexander Milenkovic – painter, stage designer Alexander is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts, NYC where he earned his BA degree in 1997. Currently he is engaged in Art teaching and Art Thearapy, conducting lecturing on Painting and exploring the diverse venues of incorporating art into therapy. His remarkable E.A. Abby Subway Mural was honoured with the 2002 National Academy of Design Award. Alexander was also an honorary participant of the School of Visual Arts Selected Exhibition. Concurrently, his work has been exhibited and showcased at the Art Director's Club in NYC, Cafe Centosette, Williamsburg Historical Center Group Show, Brooklyn, Java Wood Cafe, Brooklyn, Divine Follie, Brooklyn, Open House Exhibition II NYU Art Therapy Department, Willow Greek Cafe, NY, Jaoya Japanese Teahouse, NY, Salon de Thorigny, Suluj Gallery, Belgrade. Alexander's gola in doing any piece of artwork is to move the viewer in some way. He aspieres to make people stop in their tracks, step into his world, and experience a new insight – a one that illuminates the joy and happiness implicit in all things even the mundane. He believes that beauty is in everything and everyone, and as a result, he strives not to glamorise, but to depict the city's natural vibrancy and hidden intricacies. Katelina Djirkulova-Payantova – costume designer Katelina Djirkolova-Payantova is a graduate of the Technical University in Sofia and has worked in the field of microelectronics. Currently she owns and runs a fashion design Studio and has designed the costumes for experimental theatre performances, “Octaves of Reflection”, “Copper tones”, “Boundaries Horizons”, “Brain Traffic in the Milky Way”, “Avatar”, “Mandala”, “Metamorphosis” “LBB” etc.

Nevena is currently a senior in high school in Brookline, MA. She is originally from Bulgaria, but she feels a citizen of the world and considers herself fortunate enough to return to her homeland every Monday evening by attending Bulgarian folk dancing classes and by joining the Ludo Mlado Folk Ensemble in Boston. She began dancing intensively five years ago, but photographical evidence shows her in a line dance formation with hands on her waist at the age of three. Since then, significant changes in her dancing include an augmentation of my passion and a developed fondness of ludicrously fast and entangling dances! Given her history of dance, her nostalgia for Bulgaria and her desire to enrich the world with the riveting rhythms of the gadulka and the enchanting stomping of feet to the sound of the wind in the Bulgarian Rhodop Mountains, she has come to perceive folk dancing as the bridge between the multifarious aspects of her life.

Alexi comes from Bessarabia region of southern Ukraine. His first experiences with Bulgarian dances and music were the family parties and celebrations, when all of his relatives and friends would dance and sing together. Later, in high school, he joined the school dance club, and he did various folk pieces, including Bulgarian, Russian, and Ukrainian. After coming to Boston for engineering graduate school, he started dancing in Peter Petrov's Balkan group in Cambridge, MA over the past year. Together, they have performed once earlier this year, but most importantly they have had a great time listening and dancing to the music from home.

Magdalena Marinova – dancer

Magdalena started dancing in the town of Ihtiman, Bulgaria, when she joined a group of dancers gathered by an inspired choreographer who served at the Army. The love toward the Bulgarian Folk dances has been a part of her life ever since and after she came to the U.S. she joined the Bulgarian Folk Dance Ensemble in Pittsburgh, PA where she participated in Festivals, Cultural Events and Concerts. As she settled in Boston she was admitted after an audition to the Ludo Mlado Dance Ensemble where she weaves the unforgettable Bulgarian folk images into patterns of haunting beauty.