“Luceafărul” director: Urschi’s “Testamentul” stays relevant, theaters full
The play "Testamentul" written by Gheorghe Urschi, was first performed at the "Luceafărul" Theater in 1992 and continues to be appreciated by audiences today. Master Urschi has created characters that resonate with contemporary life, allowing viewers to see themselves not only in the characters but also in the drama of the performance. This observation comes from the general director of the "Luceafărul" Theater, Vitalia Grigoriu.
The halls are always full, and since 1992, many actors have come and gone, but they have all been replaced by equally talented performers, and the show remains incredibly popular", said Vitalia Grigoriu during the "Zi de Zi" show on Radio Moldova.
The theater director explained that, after watching the comedy "Testamentul" audiences often leave excited and happy, with smiles on their faces. "We often catch them as they exit the theater, still talking and laughing about the show, quoting lines from it. I believe if a viewer returns for a second or third time, it becomes a landmark show for them."
Gheorghe Urschi's presence at "Testamentul" was often an emotional surprise for the audience. He would enter the hall discreetly, without the actors knowing he was there. It was only when the audience recognized him that they would break into spontaneous applause, allowing the show to continue amidst their excitement.
"Indeed, he visited us very often. Many times, we didn't even know he was in the audience. He would arrive once the show had started, and we wouldn't realize he was there, either in the hall or on the balcony. We only discovered it when the audience recognized him, and then they would applaud him standing up. He was very generous, often bringing gifts. Even if he made a comment, it was done playfully, with kindness and love," added the director of the "Luceafărul" Theatre in an interview with journalist Daniela Gherman.
Grigoriu noted that audience members often called out the correct lines during performances, showing that they were familiar not only with the play but also with Urschi's jokes.
"Even in the last period, when it was perhaps more challenging for him to attend, he was determined to come to the shows. His reactions were invaluable to us; we could hear him laughing or crying from the stage. He remained a loyal spectator even after his stroke in 2011. We felt a heightened sense of responsibility. We became emotional when we didn't hear him for five or ten minutes, wondering if something was wrong - did he not like something, or was it our performance?" said Grigoriu.
The "Luceafărul" Theatre became a cherished place for the maestro, who always wanted to return. Grigoriu added, "Even recently, Liliana, his daughter, said that he sometimes asked to take a car ride just to pass in front of the theater and look at the building, not necessarily to enter or see a performance."
The show "Testamentul" continues to be performed today, April 15, at 6:30 PM at the "Luceafărul" Theater, having been scheduled a month in advance.
"I didn't know what was going to happen. I have a line in the show where I say that death is outrageous and unacceptable. It's a line inspired by master Urschi, who gave it to my character," noted the theater director.
We remind that April 15 was declared a day of national mourning in the Republic of Moldova in connection with the funeral of master Gheorghe Urschi. The comedian passed away on April 13 at the age of 78 and was laid to rest today at the Central Cemetery on Armenească Str. in the capital, where he will rest alongside his wife, Maria Urschi.
