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Senate Awards and nominations for the UNITER Gala Awards 2023

14 March 2023

For the UNITER Gala Awards 2023, the "I.L. Caragiale" National Theatre in Bucharest was nominated twice:

- In the Best Supporting Actress category: Raluca Aprodu for the part of Dora Dulebov in "The Just Assassins" by Albert Camus, directed by Mihai Maniutiu

- In the Debut category: Mariuca-Serena Bosnea for the part of Caterina Sergheievna Odintsov, Anna's sister in Brian Friel's "Fathers and Sons", dramatization based on Turgheniev's novel, directed by Vlad Massaci

According to the statute of the Romanian Theatre Union, the UNITER Senate - Board of Directors awards the "Ion Caramitru" Excellence Award, the Lifetime Achievement Awards and the Special Awards at the UNITER Awards Gala.

On the basis of the proposals received from the theatres and the proposals of the members of the UNITER Senate, the Senate decided at its meeting held on March 13, 2023 on the following awards:

"Ion Caramitru" Excellence Award: the Interferences International Theatre Festival, organized by the Hungarian Theatre from Cluj
Actress Lifetime Achievement Award: Ida Jarcsek-Gaza
Actor Lifetime Achievement Award: Alexandru Repan
Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing: Lásló Bocsárdi
Award for lifetime achievement in set design: Carmencita Brojboiu
"George Banu" Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre History and Criticism: Doru Mares

Special awards
Special award to the Romanian Television for 30 years of strategic partnership
Special award for outstanding contribution to the multicultural life of Timisoara: "Mihai Eminescu" National Theatre Timisoara, "Csiky Gergely" Hungarian State Theatre Timisoara, German State Theatre, "Merlin" Theatre for Children and Youth Timisoara
Special award for creativity and resilience in independent theatre: Aualeu Theatre

Nominations for the UNITER Gala Awards 2023
For the 31st edition of the UNITER Awards Gala, the nominations jury was composed of Doru Mares (theatre critic), Maria Miu (set designer), Victor Scoradet (theatre critic), Iris Spiridon (director) and Carmen Stanciu (theatreologist).
The performances that have been considered by the jury are those that premiered between 1 January and 31 December 2022.

The nominations for the 2022 theatre year are as follows:

Best performance
"Antonin Artaud. The Cenci", after Shelley and Stendhal, directed by Silviu Purcarete, set design Dragos Buhagiar, "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre Iasi
"Oedipus the King" by Sophocles, directed by Declan Donnellan, set design Nick Ormerod, “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre Craiova
“Seaside Stories” by Marius Chivu, Lavinica Mitu, Dan Alexe, Simona Gosu, Tudor Ganea, Nicoleta Dabija, direction, script, sound universe by Radu Afrim, set design by Theodor Cristian Niculae, Constanta State Theatre

Best direction (“Lucian Pintilie” Award)
Declan Donnellan for directing the performance “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles, “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre Craiova
Silviu Purcarete for directing the performance “Antonin Artaud. The Cenci”, after Shelley and Stendhal, "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre Iasi
Andri Zholdak for directing the performance “The Lady from the Sea” by Henrik Ibsen, “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre Craiova

Best set design
Dragos Buhagiar for the set design of the performance “Antonin Artaud. The Cenci”, after Shelley and Stendhal, directed by Silviu Purcarete, "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre Iasi
Oana Micu for the set design of the performance “Blasted” by Sarah Kane, directed by Bobi Pricop, “Andrei Muresanu” Theatre, Sfantu Gheorghe
Danilo Zholdak for the setting of the performance “The Lady from the Sea” by Henrik Ibsen, directed by Andri Zholdak, “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre Craiova

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Claudiu Bleont for the part of Harpagon in the performance “The Miser” by Molière, direction, stage version, lighting design, musical illustration Felix Alexa, “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre Craiova
Claudiu Mihail for the leading part in “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles, directed by Declan Donnellan, “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre Craiova
Victor Rebengiuc for the leading part in the performance “Father” by Florian Zeller, directed by Cristi Juncu, Bulandra Theatre Bucharest

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Ada Lupu for the part Beatrice Cenci in the performance “Antonin Artaud. The Cenci”, after Shelley and Stendhal, directed by Silviu Purcarete, "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre Iasi
Éva Imre for the part Barbarian B in the performance “The Young Barbarians”, inspired by the lives of Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály, based on a text by Miklós Vecsei H. and the improvisations of the creative team, directed by Attila Vidnyánszky Jr., Hungarian State Theatre Cluj and the Citadel Theatre from Gyula, Hungary
Costinela Ungureanu for the part Ellida Wangel in the performance “The Lady from the Sea” by Henrik Ibsen, directed by Andri Zholdak, “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre Craiova

Best Supporting Actor
Dan Pughineanu for the part Marlene, the host in the performance “The Threepenny Opera”, direction, choreography, costumes Razvan Mazilu, Excelsior Theatre Bucharest
Theodor Soptelea for the parts in the performance “Seaside Stories” by Marius Chivu, Lavinica Mitu, Dan Alexe, Simona Gosu, Tudor Ganea, Nicoleta Dabija, direction, script, sound universe by Radu Afrim, State Theatre Constanta
Vlad Udrescu for the part Creon in the performance “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles, directed by Declan Donnellan, “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre Craiova

Best Supporting Actress
Raluca Aprodu for the part Dora Dulebov in the performance “The Just Assassins” by Albert Camus, directed by Mihai Maniutiu, “I.L. Caragiale” National Theatre from Bucharest
Cendana Trifan for the part Daughter in the performance “Mother” by Marta Barceló, directed by Mariana Camarasan, “Radu Stanca” National Theatre Sibiu
Nina Udrescu for the parts in the performance “Seaside Stories” by Marius Chivu, Lavinica Mitu, Dan Alexe, Simona Gosu, Tudor Ganea, Nicoleta Dabija, direction, script, sound universe by Radu Afrim, State Theatre Constanta

Theatre review
Alina Epingeac
Claudiu Groza
Irina Zlotea

Best Radio Drama Performance
“Carnival”, radio script by Alexa Visarion, after I.L. Caragiale, a performance by Alexa Visarion, Romanian Broadcasting Society
“The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann, radio dramatization and artistic direction Diana Mihailopol, Romanian Broadcasting Society
“Horizon” by George Gordon Byron, John M. Hull, Liviu Oros, concept and direction by Victor Olahut, Cultura'n Sura

Début
Irina Artenii for the part in the performance “Rafina”, O2G Association, Bucharest
Mariuca-Serena Bosnea for the part Caterina Sergheievna Odintov, Ana's sister in the performance “Fathers and Sons” by Brian Friel, dramatization after Turgheniev's novel, directed by Vlad Massaci, “I.L. Caragiale” National Theatre from Bucharest
Theodor Cristian Niculae for the set design of the performance “Seaside Stories” by Marius Chivu, Lavinica Mitu, Dan Alexe, Simona Gosu, Tudor Ganea, Nicoleta Dabija, direction, script, sound universe by Radu Afrim, Constanta State Theatre

Best Romanian dramatic text staged in absolute premiere*
“Herbarium”, scenario and direction by Radu Afrim, after texts by Simona Popescu, Targu Mures National Theatre, “Liviu Rebreanu” Company
“Medeea: Fury”, text and direction by Radu Popescu, Apropo Theatre Bucharest
“The Sparrow”, text and direction by Leta Popescu, Dramatic Theatre “Fani Tardini” Galati

Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu

YEN by Anna Jordan, 9G premiere at NTB 19 April 2026

The “I.L. Caragiale” National Theater in Bucharest announces a new premiere as part of the 9G Program at NTB, dedicated to young independent artists: “Yen” by Anna Jordan, directed by Ciprian Chiricheș, with set design by Maria Constantin, and starring Teodora Antal, Diana Pomparău, Sevi Stan, and Mario Monțescu. The premiere will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the Sala Mică Hall The play Yen tells the story—at times brutal, at times deeply tender—of two brothers surviving almost entirely on their own in a suburb, with a mother unable to provide them with the care a child needs. Together, amid arguments and violence, the two teenagers try to discover what affection—and first love—feels like and how to express it, in the absence of a parental role model. Thus, first love becomes a tough test, full of innocence and missteps. How much of our social skills are innate, and how much are acquired through our environment and the education we receive? It is a long-debated dilemma that remains relevant today, which author Anna Jordan explores with harshness and directness, yet with care and sensitivity toward her characters. Yen is about growing up, about family, and, above all, about the fundamental human need to love and be loved. „What won me over from the very first reading was the sincerity with which life—and, in particular, hope—is portrayed. In real life, things aren’t like in fairy tales, where Prince Charming appears out of nowhere and sets everything right. In reality, we often long for something we cannot have, and then that feeling becomes even stronger; this sentiment is very well conveyed by the author. The production that we put together with the team is based on desire and hope. I hope it’s contagious and that the audience leaves, just as I like to leave the theater—changed, pensive, with my thoughts on my loved ones.” Ciprian Chiricheș, the director of the production Anna Jordan is a renowned British playwright, director, and screenwriter. She graduated from the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) with a degree in acting and is a professor of acting. For her play “Yen,” she won the prestigious Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting (2013) Cast: Sevastian Stan, Mario Monțescu, Teodora Antal, Diana Pomparău. Regie Ciprian Chiricheș, set design Maria Constantin, sound design Teodor Zamfir and llighting design Cristian Ciopată. This performance is not recommended for children under 14. Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu

Magda Catone is the Mother-in-law in Little Hell 04 April 2026

Starting on April 4, 2026, renowned National Theater actress Magda Catone will play the role of the Mother-in-Law in Mircea Stefanescu's comedy Little Hell, taking over from Rodica Popescu-Bitanescu, the actress who has brought this delightful role in Romanian drama to life in recent seasons, continuing the series of anthological performances, from Natasa Alexandra, Silvia Dumitrescu-Timica to Ileana Stana Ionescu. At the "I.L. Caragiale" National Theater, the play Little Hell has had over 300 performances since its premiere in 2013! The next performances will take place on April 4, 8, and May 2, 2026! Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu

A new premiere at the National Theater of Bucharest: “The Bride's Time and Her Gown” – a continuation of the world of Oltenia created by Gavril Pătru 02 April 2026

The “I.L. Caragiale” National Theater in Bucharest will present, starting April 3, 2026, the premiere of “The Bride's Time and Her Gown″ (The Wedding) by Gavril Pătru, a new chapter in the theatrical universeinaugurated by the success of “Ghosts and Dandelions.” The second part of the upcoming “Oltenia trilogy,” the play continues the story of the characters from a contemporary Oltenian village, in a recognizable blend of humor, drama, and authenticity. Created by Gavril Pătru—who serves as writer, director, and actor—the new play offers a glimpse into a world where tradition and inner conflict coexist, and laughter and tension intertwine naturally. This time, the action revolves around a wedding—a seemingly festive setting that becomes the backdrop for an avalanche of tragicomic events. Amidst the musicians, stuffed cabbage rolls, and zaibăr, uncomfortable truths surface, appearances crumble, and hidden dramas are revealed. Nothing is what it seems, and the masks fall one by one, in a universe where even those who do not speak end up saying it all. Dynamic “like the rush of a sârba” and, at the same time, profound “like a doina,” the new play by Gavril Pătru offers an intense theatrical experience, where laughter and emotion converge in a story about family, identity, and truth. “The Bride’s Watch and Shirt” preserves the distinctive language and atmosphere of the Oltenia region that established Gavril Pătru’s reputation, shaping a vivid world, full of color and expressive power. The play can be viewed independently, yet it stands in direct dialogue with “Ghosts and Dandelions” developing the same destinies and delving deeper into the themes already explored. The cast features actors from the National Theater of Bucharest, in a lineup that supports the show’s brisk pace and energy: Costina Cheyrouze, Raluca Petra, Ileana Olteanu, Petre Ancuța / Ciprian Nicula, Gavril Pătru, Alexandra Sălceanu / Teodora Calagiu, Maia Morgenstern / Victoria Dicu, Silviu Biriș. On April 2 and 3, 2026, at 8:30 p.m., in the lobby of the Pictura Hall, immediately following the preview performances of the play, there will be a book launch for “Ceasu’ și cămașa miresii” (The Bride's Time and Her Gown) by Gavril Pătru, a special event that complements the theatrical universe of the play of the same name. The book brings to life the same recognizable world created by Gavril Pătru: a vibrant Oltenian village, full of humor, tension, and poetry, where the characters’ destinies intertwine between tradition and contemporary reality. The audience will have the opportunity to meet the author, discover the behind-the-scenes of the creative process, and get autographs. The official premiere of the production will take place on April 18 and 19, 2026, at the Pictura Hall; the production is already scheduled in the NTB’s current repertoire for April 8 and 9 and May 9, 2026. Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu

Premiere at NTB: A play about the hypocrisy of today's world 13 March 2026

Starting March 13, 2026, you are invited to a new production, Of People, Doctors, and Rhinoceroses by Claudiu Goga after Arthur Schnitzler, at the Studio Hall of the I.L. Caragiale National Theater in Bucharest. A hot topic, even though the author, considered one of the most important representatives of Austrian modernism, imagined it in 1912, a time when many of the issues addressed in the play were more than sensitive, if not taboo. At Dr. Bernhardi's clinic, a teenager is fighting sepsis following a botched abortion. The priest is denied access to the dying girl's room for her last rites. The inevitable death occurs. The incident quickly becomes a topic of national debate: can a Jewish doctor forbid a Catholic priest from comforting a Christian on her deathbed? Based on Arthur Schnitzler's idea, director Claudiu Goga invites you to discover the astonishing story in which Dr. Bernhardi is drawn. A roller coaster of absurd situations, tensions, and contradictions in a world of political intrigue and careerism, where truth becomes a derisory fact amid obscure games of power and personal interests. Both a political play and a love story, written in the style of a detective novel, "Of People, Doctors, and Rhinoceroses" speaks with lucidity and humor about the hypocrisy of today's world. A world in which people claim to fight in the name of principles and values, in the name of political ideologies and religious beliefs, in the name of truth and in the name of humanity. In reality, these are all pretexts. People fight only for their personal interests. Why? The answer is simple: people are people. In the role of Dr. Elias Bernhardi: Mihai Calin, joined by actors George Ivascu, Mirela Oprisor, Medeea Marinescu, Ofelia Popii, Alexandru Potocean, Ioan Andrei Ionescu, Richard Bovnoczki, Dana Dogaru, Ada Gales, Ionut Toader, and Tomi Cristin. Director Claudiu Goga had allies in bringing his vision to life: Corina Gramosteanu for set design and Nina Brumuasila for costumes. Video design was by Andrei Cozlac and Silviu Apostol. Music and stage movement were by Florin Fieroiu. The following performances will take place on: March 14, March 15, March 18, March 19 (official premiere), April 1, at 7 p.m. Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu

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