Alexander Milenkov

Born on January 19, 1882 in Samokov. In 1901, he graduated from the State Drawing School in the class of professors Petko Klisurov and Ivan Angelov. He went to specialize in mural painting with Professor Dietl in Munich. After attending a theater performance, he developed an interest in theater decoration and abandoned fresco painting. In 1906, he was forced to interrupt his studies due to lack of funds and returned to Bulgaria. Three years later, he traveled to Munich again and studied scenography for a year with the artist Hans Frahm, completing his education in theater decoration. In Bulgaria, he began working in the capital's drama troupe "Tear and Laughter", later renamed the National Theater. In 1907, he designed and made the costumes and sets for the special production with which the newly built building of the National Theater was opened. He participated in the First World War as a volunteer. He served as a second lieutenant in the Twenty-second Thracian Infantry Regiment. He was wounded near Bezevishte and awarded two orders for bravery. As a set designer, Milenkov is the author of the theatrical decoration of 370 productions, which include dramas, operas, operettas and children's plays. He works for the National Theater, the National Opera, the Sofia Puppet Theater, community centers and other theater stages throughout the country. The productions for which he created scenographic designs include: "King Lear" by William Shakespeare, "Mother-in-law" by Anton Strashimirov, "The First" by Petko Todorov, "Aida" by Giuseppe Verdi and "Il Trovatore" by Giacomo Puccini. His early creative period is characterized by great attention to detail and historical authenticity of the sets and costumes. He organized five solo exhibitions - one with scenography (1907), and the others with painting (landscapes and still life). He was a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists and twice chairman of the association. He died on January 3, 1971 in Sofia.