John Malkovich Sets the Record Straight on “The Gun and the Man” Drama

Renowned actor and director John Malkovich addressed recent criticism surrounding his upcoming production of George Bernard Shaw’s anti-war drama, “The Gun and the Man”, at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Bulgaria.

Malkovich emphasized that the play does not mock Bulgarians or the Serbo-Bulgarian war of 1885, as some have claimed. Instead, he explained that the drama focuses on the “excuses for wrong idealism” and serves as a powerful anti-war statement, aligning with Shaw’s lifelong stance against conflict.

The actor and director expressed his admiration for the talent pool in Bulgaria, stating that he had the opportunity to choose from at least four suitable actors for each role. He praised the high level of skill and dedication displayed by the cast, which he attributes to his positive experiences working with Bulgarian artists in the past.

Malkovich noted that the Ivan Vazov National Theatre attracts top talent from around the world, thanks to the exceptional skill and reputation of its performers. He also revealed that he turned down several film and TV offers to focus on this theatrical commitment, which requires his full attention and concentration.

The production of “The Gun and the Man” is set to open in November, with Malkovich at the helm as guest director. This marks his second engagement with the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, following the success of “In the Solitude of the Cotton Fields” in 2023.