"Non-identity" of Stage Space – on a Theoretical Position of Atanas Natev

This text stems from questioning a well-known thesis by the Bulgarian theatre theorist of the recent past, Atanas Natev, regarding the nature of stage space. Natev argues that, unlike cinematic space, the stage space never coincides with itself. Our observations and examples, however, demonstrate the opposite: the attempt to transform space is successfully implemented in both theatre and cinema. Therefore, a strict distinction between the two cannot be drawn in this respect.