Chisinau, Romania's theater capital for two weeks
Chisinau is currently emerging as the capital of Romanian theater. Acclaimed actors, top directors, and theater troupes from across Romania, as well as from Ukraine, are crossing the Prut for a new edition of the Romanian National Theaters Reunion. The event kicks off with the tragedy "Richard III", a masterful production that explores themes of power and manipulation. Until September 20, the public can enjoy 24 performances at 12 different theaters throughout the capital.
At the press conference, a photo-documentary exhibition was inaugurated to honor the great actors Vitalie Rusu, Margareta Ureche, and Viorica Chircă on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of their birth.
"This is a history of theater, and my generation is a part of that history. You know, the greatest disease of our society is indifference. Here, the theater has not remained indifferent; it provides us with psychological support so that we do not feel alone," said Vitalie Rusu, People's Artist.
The reunion spans 11 years. The first edition took place in September 2015, initiated by Petru Hadârcă from Chișinău and the late Ion Caramitru from Bucharest.
“The 11th edition will offer extraordinary opportunities because the selection is rich, diverse, and unites us around a beautiful idea: ‘We are what we love.’ Love is what brings us together, whether we are actors, performers, or spectators,” says Andras Demeter, the Minister of Culture of Romania.
“This event serves as a space for cultural dialogue, showcasing the power of the Romanian language and confirming that theater continues to unite us. We believe that investing in culture is an investment in people, their freedom of thought, and our shared European future,” noted Dan Suruceanu, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova.
For actors, the event presents an opportunity to forge new professional connections, while spectators get the chance to experience productions from prominent Romanian theaters in Chisinau.
Actress Diana Decuseară said: “It brings inspiration because we learn from each other. It means creating new bridges and collaborative projects. But above all, it signifies unity, because when we are together, we are strong.”
A symbolic element of this year's edition is the reunion trophy, created by sculptor Pavel Obreja, which will be presented to all participating theaters.
"The effort put forth by the theater groupes from Timișoara, Cluj, Bucharest, Târgu-Mureș, Craiova, Iași, and Suceava is immense. There are no barriers! We gather to enjoy this beautiful celebration, to embrace what we love: the theater. Come and experience the joy of theater!" urged Petru Hadârcă, director of the "Mihai Eminescu" National Theater.
The reunion will conclude on September 20 with the performance "Caligula" presented by the actors of the "Ivan Franko" National Academic Theater in Kyiv.
