Words by Giordana Patumi.
Ivo Dimchev, the renowned Bulgarian artist celebrated for his provocative and boundary-pushing performances, delivered one of his most captivating shows at the IETM Sofia Plenary Meeting 2024 with In Hell with Jesus / Top 40. Held from June 12-15, 2024, at Toplocentrala in Sofia, the event gathered professionals from the contemporary performing arts community, embodying IETM’s mission to support and represent over 500 organizations and individuals globally.
In Hell with Jesus / Top 40 continues Dimchev’s tradition of blurring the lines between reality and performance, offering a biting, humorous critique of both the theater industry and societal norms. The chaotic audition for a musical in the making, at the heart of the piece, showcases Dimchev’s signature blend of absurdity, vulgarity, and profound social commentary. Themes such as homophobia, war, and the commodification of the body are explored through an ever-evolving mix of dark humor and stark realities, all while keeping the audience laughing.
Dimchev’s flamboyant style—extravagant sunglasses, painted tattoos, and commanding stage presence—adds to the spectacle as he questions both the auditioning characters and the audience with provocations like “Sex with Putin or the Dalai Lama?” or “In Hell with Jesus or in Heaven with Trump?” This performance skillfully dismantles political correctness, exposing the underbelly of contemporary society. The deliberately unpolished choreography further accentuates the absurdity, transforming the stage into a surreal playground where boundaries are meant to be crossed.
Audience interaction, a hallmark of Dimchev’s work, adds an unpredictable energy, making viewers active participants in this “holy mess of a musical.” Whether answering outrageous questions, joining in a staged tap dance, or smashing a dildo while chanting “Respect art!”, the audience becomes co-conspirators in the absurdity, making each performance a unique shared experience.
In Hell with Jesus / Top 40 stands as a testament to Dimchev’s ability to simultaneously challenge and entertain. His sharp commentary on the superficiality of the theater world, coupled with his fearless exploration of taboo subjects, results in a performance that is both thought-provoking and wildly entertaining.
Dimchev’s work lets heaven and hell collide repeatedly, blending his beguiling voice with a humorous portrayal of human inadequacy. As an aging stage diva at an audition, he wields power over candidates and the audience alike, asking them to interpret his songs or answer questions from his madly transgressive catalogue. Whether it’s a parody of contemporary theater or a biting critique of societal norms, Dimchev pushes the boundaries of convention, seamlessly blending song, dance, and trivia with subversive messages.
Through his portrayal of show business’s mechanisms and inherent human flaws, Dimchev unflinchingly exposes the industry’s unpleasant aspects, packaging his performance in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Whether at IETM or La MaMa (New York City), where the show also premiered, Dimchev continues to deliver with each of his performances, reaffirming his status as a leading figure in contemporary performance art. His distinctive style, biting humor, and fearless exploration of controversial themes make his work not just a performance, but an experience that transforms the audience’s being in the moment.