"Do Not Wake the Madame" (1970s) by Dimitar Tasev is a silkscreen poster created for Bulgaria's National Theatre for Youth to promote Jean Anouilh's play. This modernist piece of theatrical advertising reflects the social and cultural shifts in 1970s Bulgaria.
The design shows a white, angelic figure suspended dramatically against a black background. The figure hangs from two clothespins on a tight horizontal line, creating a striking visual contrast. Tasev uses clean geometric shapes to form the wings, layering curved, symmetrical pieces in a rhythmic pattern. The barefoot figure is drawn with minimal detail, radiating a calm but mysterious expression that contrasts with the tension in the scene. The black-and-white color scheme adds to the poster’s bold, dramatic feel.
The angel represents multiple ideas, blending the theatrical with the everyday. By placing a heavenly figure on a simple clothesline, Tasev creates a visual metaphor that reflects Anouilh’s themes of idealism clashing with reality. In Do Not Wake the Madame, Julien Paluche, a theatre director, struggles with personal and professional setbacks while trying to stage Hamlet. The "Madame" in the title stands for women—mothers, actresses, muses—and the delicate balance between life and theatre. The angel’s suspension captures the play’s exploration of the fragile line between art and reality, echoing existential themes of human struggle and ambition. Tasev’s minimalist, modern design captures these ideas, aligning with Bulgaria’s 1970s push to make high art more accessible while keeping its intellectual and emotional depth.
Dimitar Tasev (b. 1937) was a key figure in Bulgarian graphic design, known for his creative approach to theatrical posters. He became an Associate Professor at the National Academy of Arts in 1983 and was promoted to full Professor in 1993, influencing generations of designers. His work has been shown internationally and is part of prestigious collections like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Poster Museum in Warsaw. By blending modern design with cultural relevance, Tasev secured his place as a leading figure in Eastern European graphic design.
