News

The show Old Clown Wanted included in the National Campaign Artists for Artists

08 March 2017 - 31 March 2017

On the World Theatre Day, we invite you to enjoy the theatre and at the same time make a good deed!

The „I.L. Caragiale" National Theatre of Bucharest is supporting, as every year, alongside other theatres from Bucharest and Romania, the Artists for Artists National Campaign by donating all proceeds resulting from the ticket sale for a show from the current repertoire.

This year, the choice of the National Theatre is Old Clown Wanted, the recent premiere from the Studio Hall, scheduled for Monday, 27 March 2017, from 7.30 p.m.

In Vişniec’s play, performed on all world meridians, three old clowns, Nicollo, Filippo and Peppino meet in front of an employment notice, ready to give everything for a last trick. In Ion Caramitru’s version for the stage, “Old Clown Wanted is a show washing your soul and telling a lot about the force of our frailness, about the seductive burden of innocence which we cannot renounce like Atlas could not shed the celestial sphere thrown onto his shoulders", Răzvana Niţă remarked in the Radio Theatre Magazine.

„Old Clown Wanted is anchored in the scarce series of sensational shows, where mature spectators recollect the joys of childhood, and the children who may escort them are amazed by the magic of clowns and the art of the circus artist. This show is also sensational in order to know and retain the names of some total artists, but also to discover the surprise of technical and modern possibilities held by the National Theatre of Bucharest, highlighted with inventiveness by director Ion Caramitru and his team" - Ileana Lucaciu, Spectator.

The National Campaign Artists for Artists is supported by the Romanian Theatre Union (UNITER), with the aid of theatres from Bucharest and country-wide (31 shows in the current edition), aiming at supporting artists who have dedicated their lives to the stage and in need of financial aid.

The proceeds from the sale of the show Old Clown Wanted of 27 March 2017 shall be donated to the Theatrical Solidarity Fund.

The purchase of a ticket to this show, scheduled for 27th March, when the World Theatre Day is celebrated, shall bring you beside the joy of viewing one of the recent NTB premieres also the satisfaction of a charitable gesture in support of the artists in need.

Help us help them!

Tickets are available at the NTB box office and online on www.tnb.ro and on MyStage.ro.

Bucharest:

12 March: The Three Venetian Twins by Antonio Collalto, directed by Nona Ciobanu, Small Theatre Bucharest

14 March: The Story of the Pig, after a fairytale by Ion Creangă, script and direction by Mircea Cornişteanu, „Ion Creangă” Theatre Bucharest. The show is performed at the Excelsior Theatre

17 March: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, directed by Alexandru Dabija, Comedy Theatre Bucharest

19 March: I Keep Going, with Oana Pellea and Mihai Gruia Sandu, Metropolis Theatre Bucharest

19 March: Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, directed by Diana Lupescu, „Nottara” Theatre Bucharest

19 March: Titanic Vals by Tudor Muşatescu, directed by Alexandru Dabija, Odeon Theatre Bucharest

21 March: Two Coins Purse, after Ion Creangă, script, direction and musical score by Decebal Marin, Ţăndărică Animation Theatre of Bucharest

25 March: Sauce for the Goose by Georges Feydeau, directed by Alexandru Mâzgăreanu, „Nottara” Theatre of Bucharest

26 March: Nastasia, a show by Mihai Mălaimare, Masca Theatre Bucharest

26 March: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, directed by Horia Suru, Small Theatre Bucharest

27 March: Old Clown Wanted by Matei Vişniec, directed by Ion Caramitru, „I.L. Caragiale” National Theatre of Bucharest

29 March: Dibuk by S. Anski, script and direction by Chris Simion-Mercurian, Jewish State Theatre Bucharest

29 March: Thumbelina, after Hans Christian Andersen, adaptation and direction by Aurel Mitran, Excelsior Theatre Bucharest

Country-wide:

28 February: The Bear Tricked by the Fox, adaptation for the stage by Delia Gavliţchi after Ion Creangă, directed by Mariana Ivaşcu, „Merlin” Theatre for Children and Youth Timişoara

8 March: The Honourable Gathering, directed by Lendvai Zoltán, „Csíki Játékszín” Municipal Theatre of Miercurea-Ciuc

11 March: The Merry Wives of Windsor after William Shakespeare, adaptation for the stage and artistic direction by Alexandru Vasilache, „Mihai Eminescu” Theatre of Botoşani

15 March: The Nameless Star, by Mihail Sebastian directed by Erwin Şimşensohn, National Theatre of Târgu-Mureş – „Liviu Rebreanu” company

15 March: The Hut by Aiat Fayez, direction and stage design by Tudor Lucanu, „Regina Maria” Theatre, Oradea

16 March: The Mistress of the Inn after Carlo Goldoni, collective direction, „Tudor Vianu” Theatre Giurgiu

18 March: The Man Who Saw Death by Victor Eftimiu, version for the stage by Andreea Vulpe, directed by Cristi Juncu, „Toma Caragiu” Theatre Ploieşti

18 March: Shakespeare, Sonnet 66, after W. Shakespeare, directed by Kokan Mladenović, „Csiky Gergely” Hungarian State Theatre Timişoara

19 March: Life Never Asks You Anything. One Woman Show with Wanessa Radu, directed by Anca Cismaru, „Maria Filotti” Theatre Brăila

22 March: The RA Lion, a musical by Marius Popa and Cezar Ghioca, „Andrei Mureşanu” Theatre of Sfântu Gheorghe

24 March: The Old Man’s Daughter and the Old Woman’s Daughter, adaptation for the stage by Valentin Dobrescu, after Ion Creangă, directed by Todor Valov, „Colibri” Children and Youth Theatre Craiova

24 March: The Pelican by August Strindberg, directed by Cătălin Vasiliu, „Fani Tardini” Drama Theatre of Galaţi

24 March: Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind, directed by Charles Muller, German State Theatre Timişoara

25 March: An Oak Tree by Tim Crouch, directed by Bobi Pricop, Youth Theatre Piatra Neamţ

25 March: Ubu King by Alfred Jarry, direction and stage design by Tudor Lucanu, „Anton Pann” Theatre of Râmnicu-Vâlcea

25 March: In Caragiale’s World, script by Călin Ciobotari, after „Moments and Sketches” by I.L. Caragiale”, directed by Antonella Cornici, „Aureliu Manea” Theatre Turda

26 March: Nora by Henrik Ibsen, directed by Dumitru Lazăr Fulga, „Bacovia” Municipal Theatre of Bacău

27 March: The Fox, directed by Florin Zamfirescu, „Radu Stanca” National Theatre of Sibiu

28 March: The Metamorphosis, after Franz Kafka, directed by Ion Sapdaru, „Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre of Iaşi

30 March: The Tiger of Our Town by Gianina Cărbunariu, directed by Bobi Pricop, „Matei Vişniec” Municipal Theatre of Suceava

30 March: The Retro Bird hits the block and falls on the hot concrete, directed by Radu Afrim, National Theatre of Târgu-Mureş – „Tompa Miklós” Company

Join the Campaign, buy tickets, enjoy the theatre and do a good deed!

The amounts raised from the ticket sales, donations and sponsorships can be transferred into the account RO40RZBR0000060007801286 open at Raiffeisen Bank, Piaţa Amzei Agency, Theatrical Solidarity Fund.

Translated by Simona Nichiteanu

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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