Conferences

On Sunday, 19 February 2017, from 11.00 a.m., in the Small Hall of NTB, Mrs. Georgeta Filitti shall hold the conference on the topic Ion Ghica, a Founder of Romanian Theatre.

About the Conference

In our history, there has been a golden generation. It is the one constituted in the first half of the 19^th century, especially in France, where it was trained thoroughly, has appropriated liberal ideas and returned to the country to fulfil its vocation. Ion Ghica detaches himself from the 48 generation as the man with technical studies (The National Mining School from Paris), eager to introduce into the Romanian space that professional excellence which has always made up the glory of France. As a professor in Iaşi, from 1842-1843, he leaves behind the memory of an excellent organiser of education. The rigour of his geometry and geology lessons can also be found in the articles published in „Propăşirea”. Involved, in Bucharest and Paris, in the formation of a tide of opinion specific to the times, of raising national awareness for the liberation from the Russian protectorate, he is a much listened and respected voice.

This also explains the decision of the revolutionary government from 1848 to send him to Constantinople to advocate the cause of Romanians. There, he makes a good impression. The collaboration at the „Constantinople Journal”, the relations with British diplomats bring him notoriety, to such an extent that, although fellow comrade of some revolutionaries to be outcast, he benefits from the favour of the Ottoman Porte. The appreciation is also during the Crimean War and later, i.e. in the time frame 1853-1858, through his appointment as governor of the Samos Island. And here the bey Ion Ghica proves his virtues of thorough organizer. In time, beyond the annihilation of pirates who were ravaging around the island, the constructions erected by him, the roads, the coherent legislation, the archaeological excavations etc. bear witness. 37 voluminous files kept in the Samos archives, where his deeds are recorded, are still waiting for their publisher.

Back in the country, in the midst of political whirl for the union of the principalities, Ion Ghica secretly nurtures the idea that he shall be the chosen one, both of the Muntenians and Moldavians. The Romanians’ opting for Al.I. Cuza does not exclude him from the front scene of political life. He is his Prime Minister, but their collaboration does not last for long. Moreover, Ghica leads the conjuration which removes the master of the union from the throne. Partisan of the foreign prince for his country, he becomes one of the moral orchestrators of bringing Carl Carol of Hohenzollern to Romania. He shall serve him as well, but a violent street incident occurred in Bucharest in 1871 terminates his mandate as minister. The public activity does not stop here. In 1877, after he advocates for Romania’s neutrality in the menacing Russian-Turkish war, he becomes director general of our theatres.

And again, the engineer, economist, professor shows the extent of his value. The law of theatres, the foundation of the Dramatic Society, the efficient financial support for the actors, the openness for the national repertoire place Ion Ghica among the founders of the National Theatre, this fundamental institution for the promotion of authentic culture among the Romanians. The incident with I.L. Caragiale, the young playwright then, who, in 1879, challenges him to a duel because, at the request of public opinion, he amputated his text for A Stormy Night, remains the proof of the confrontation of geniuses.

The economic and especially literary œuvre, from which the conquering correspondence with Vasile Alecsandri stands out, have transformed Ion Ghica into a classical writer for posterity. President of the Academy for several mandates, minister of the country in London, where he acted for years as dean of the diplomatic corps, he remains one of the perennial spiritual values of modern Romania. Georgeta Filitti

About Georgeta Filitti                                                 

Expert in modern and contemporary history of Romania. Editor of documents.

Education: Faculty of History of the Bucharest University (1961); PhD in History from the Cluj University (1971). Professional experience:

- Scientific researcher at the „Nicolae Iorga” Historical Institute of the Romanian Academy, up to the degree of principal researcher I (1961-1998); advisor at the „Ion Ghica” Foundation (1997-2004); librarian, head of department at the Bucharest Metropolitan Library (2003-2007); principal researcher I at the National Institute for the Memory of the Romanian Exile (din 2007).

Publishing (selection):

1975-2004 – she edits the Works of M. Kogălniceanu (Oratory, 9 vol., 1864-1891), for which she receives the “Nicolae Bălcescu” award of the Academy (1983); 1978 – Encyclopaedia of Romanian Historiography (co-author); Since 1982 – she has been editing the works of Nicolae Iorga: Economic Works, History of the Romanian People, History of Romanians from Transylvania and Hungary, History of Romanians, vol. VIII, History of Romanians for the Romanian People, 2 vol., History of Romanians, vol X, Parliament Speeches (1907-1917); 1985-2008 – edits the works of I.C. Filitti (Selected Works, Journal, 1913-1919; The Diplomatic Role of Phanariots, Man through his Work); 1996 – George Ciorănescu. Romanians and the Federalist Idea; 1997 – The Memoirs of Prince Nicolae Sutu, 1798-1871, translation from French, introduction, notes and annotations; 1998 – Voices of Exile. Anthology; 2002 – Ion Bălăceanu. Political and Diplomatic Memories, 1848-1903, translation from French, introduction, notes and annotations; 2003-2006 – Foreign Travellers about Romanian Countries in the 19th Century. New Series, 1800-1840, 3 vol. (co-author and preface author); 2004 – Romanian Travellers to Greece. Anthology; 2006 – Time Travel with…; The Romanian Millennium (co-author, with an English version as well); 2007 – Testaments. Anthology; Time Travel through Bucharest; 2008 – From the Life of Romanian Exile (1954-1968), vol. I: 1954 – 1957; 2010 – Always Together. Romania-Greece. 130 Years of Diplomatic Relations.

Translations:

– Matilla Ghyka:Escales de ma jeunesse; The World Mine Oyster; Again One Day.

Permanent columns:

– From the History of Notaryship, in theMagazine of Notaries Public from Romania (since 2000);

– People Used to Send Letters; Romania 100 Years Ago, in Historical Magazine (since 2002); Bucharest Archives, in the magazine The Bucharest Library of the Bucharest Metropolitan Library.

Ion Ghica Exhibition                           

On Sunday, 19 February 2017, at NTB, on the occasion of the conference „Ion Ghica, Founder of Romanian Theatre”, to be held by the historian Georgeta Filitti (la Small Hall, 11.00 a.m.), the foyer shall host the varnishing of an exhibition dedicated to the one who has also been the first President of the Romanian Academy and the Director general of theatres.

On this occasion, the following items shall be on display: documents, vintage photographs, theatre posters, objects from the archive of the National Theatre museum and library, in an attempt to reconstitute the directorate of Ion Ghica at the top of the National Theatre of Bucharest (1877 – 1881).

The exhibition accompanies the conference and can only be visited during Sunday morning, from 11.00-13.00.

Translated by Simona Nichiteanu