News

UNITER 2020 Awards Gala - 28th Edition

02 July 2020

Considering the exceptional situation that all sectors of society are undergoing during this period, the Romanian Theatre Union was forced to reconsider the organization of the UNITER 2020 Awards Gala. Initially, the Gala was bound to take place on May 11th at the "Marin Sorescu" National Theatre of Craiova, on the occasion of the 170th anniversary of the founding of the Craiova theatre.

Taking into account the regulations regarding the organization of cultural events, the Romanian Theatre Union has decided that this year's edition of the UNITER Awards Gala will take place on the day of the autumn equinox, September 21st, 2020.

The final jury of the UNITER 2020 Awards Gala formed by Radu Apostol - director, Cosmin Ardeleanu - set designer, Doru Mareș - theatre critic, Crina Mureșan - actress, Cristina Rusiecki - theatre critic watched in digital format (online, DVD) the nominated shows and will decide the winners of the 11 award categories.

We will return with details about the location of the Gala and we hope to organize in the best conditions this award ceremony of the Romanian theatrical creation and its artists.

We remind you which are the nominations for 2019 and the UNITER Senate Awards already decided in February:

UNITER Senate Awards
Excellence Award: National theatre Festival for the exceptional quality of the last six editions
Award for Lifelong Achievement - actress: Rodica Mandache
Award for Lifelong Achievement - actor: Mircea Rusu
Award for Lifelong Achievement - direction: Dragoș Galgoțiu
Award for Lifelong Achievement - scenography: Constantin Ciubotariu
Award for lifelong critical activity and theatrical history: Mya Liontescu

Special Awards
Special award for promoting theatre-dance: Linotip - Independent Choreographic Centre
Special award for puppet theatre and puppets: “Puppets Occupy Street” Festival, 2019 edition with the theme “Evolution through Revolution” organized by the Colibri Craiova theatre for Children and Youth
Special award for video mapping: Andrei Cozlac
Special award for a six-decade activity in editing theatre book: Viorica Matei
Special prize for stage make-up: Minela Popa
President's Prize: „Marin Sorescu” National Theatre of Craiova for 170 years of history in Romanian theatre

Nominations for the UNITER 2020 Gala Awards
For the 28th edition of the UNITER Awards Gala, the jury of nominations was composed by theatre critics Ludmila Patlanjoglu, Maria Zărnescu, Călin Ciobotari.
Performances that have caught the attention of the jury are those that premiered between January 1st to December 31st, 2019.

Nominations for the theatrical year 2019 are as follows:

Debut:
Andrei Chifu for his role He in the show "House on the Border" by Sławomir Mrožek, a show by Ada Lupu Hausvater at the “Mihai Eminescu” National Theatre of Timişoara
Tamás Jakab, for the role of George Gibbs in the show “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, directed by Vladimir Anton at the “Tomcsa Sándor” Theatre Odorheiu Secuiesc
Constantin Radu Tudosie, for directing the show "Twelfth Night" at the "Ion D. Sirbu" Dramatic Theatre of Petrosani

Best Radio Theatre Show:
"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, radio adaptation and art direction by Mihai Lungeanu, production of the Romanian Broadcasting Society
"Down with Communism - Computer Strategy Game and RPG” by Ema Stere, artistic director Attila Vizauer, production of the Romanian Broadcasting Company
“Sleeping and Awakened Beauty” by Alexandra Ares, artistic director Diana Mihailopol, production of the Romanian Broadcasting Society

Best TV Theatre Show:
“The Tempest” by William Shakespeare, directed by Alexandru Lustig, production of the Romanian Television Society and the theatre Foundation Contemporary
„Manifesto. Letter to a Friend and Back to the Country” by Ruxandra Cesereanu, directed by Cornel Mihalache, production of the Romanian Television Society (TVR Production House)

Award for Theatre Criticism:
Oana Cristea Grigorescu
Raluca Rădulescu
Irina Zlotea

Best Scenography:
Carmencita Brojboiu and András Rancz, for the scenography of the show "Nora" by Henrik Ibsen, directed by Botond Nagy at the Hungarian State Theatre of Cluj
Cristina Milea, for the scenography of the show "Dangerous Liaisons" by Christopher Hampton, after the novel by Choderlos de Laclos, directed Cristi Juncu at the Small Theatre Bucharest
Irina Moscu, for the scenography of the show "Meerkats House" by David Drábek, directed by Radu Afrim at the "Marin Sorescu" National Theatre of Craiova

Best Actress in a Supporting Part:
Puşa Darie, for the role of Mother in the show "Delhi Dance" by Ivan Vîrîpaev, directed by Radu Afrim at the "Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre of Iaşi
Elena Popa, for the roles in the show "The Golden Dragon” by Roland Schimmelfenning, directed by Catinca Drăgănescu at the “Andrei Mureşanu” Theatre of Sfântu Gheorghe
Alina Rotaru, for the role of Madame de Tourvel in the show “Dangerous Liaisons” by Christopher Hampton, after the novel by Choderlos de Laclos, directed by Cristi Juncu at the Small Theatre of Bucharest

Best Actor in a Supporting Part:
Andrei Cătălin, for the roles in the show "On Air: Titanic Waltz", after Tudor Mușatescu, directed by Matei Lucaci-Grunberg at the "Anton Pann" Theatre of Râmnicu Vâlcea
Cristian Grosu, for the role of Caliban in the show "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare, directed by Gábor Tompa at the Cluj-Napoca National Theatre
Răzvan Vicoveanu, for the role of Joshua in the show "The Christians" by Lucas Hnath, directed by Radu Iacoban at the "Regina Maria" Theatre of Oradea

Best Actress in a Leading Part:
Anca Hanu, for the role of Chiritza Bârzoi in the show “Chiritza in Concert”, after Vasile Alecsandri and Matei Millo, a concert-show by Ada Milea at the Cluj-Napoca National Theatre
Ofelia Popii, for the role of Martha in the show "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" by Edward Albee, directed by Andrei and Andreea Grosu at the “Radu Stanca” National Theatre of Sibiu
Oana Predescu, for the role of Morticia Addams in the show “The Addams Family”, directed, choreographed and costumes by Răzvan Mazilu at the Excelsior Theatre of Bucharest

Best Actor in a Leading Part:
Lucian Ionescu, for the role of Gomez Addams in the show “The Addams Family”, directed, choreographed and costumes by Răzvan Mazilu at the Excelsior Theatre of Bucharest
Sorin Leoveanu, for the role of Barry Champlain in the show “Radio” by Eric Bogosian, directed by Bobi Pricop at the „Marin Sorescu” National Theatre of Craiova
Marius Turdeanu, for the role of George in the show „Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” by Edward Albee, directed by Andrei and Andreea Grosu at the „Radu Stanca” National Theatre of Sibiu

Best Director:
Eugen Jebeleanu, for the direction of the show „Itineraries. One Day the World Will Change” at ARCUB - Bucharest Cultural Centre and Compagnie des Ogres
Alexandru Mâzgăreanu, for the direction of the show “Nameless Star” at the Piatra Neamţ Youth Theatre
Botond Nagy, for the direction of the show “Nora” at the Hungarian State Theatre of Cluj

Best Show:
"Chiritza in Concert", after Vasile Alecsandri and Matei Millo, a concert-show by Ada Milea at the Cluj-Napoca National Theatre
"The Addams Family", directed, choreographed and costumes by Răzvan Mazilu at the Excelsior Theatre Bucharest
"Our Town" by Thornton Wilder, directed by Vladimir Anton at the "Tomcsa Sándor" Theatre of Odorheiu Secuiesc

UNITER
July 2nd, 2020

Translated by Simona Nichiteanu

Staged Readings at the National Theater of Bucharest – Playwriting Workshop with Mimi Brănescu 02 June 2026

The fourth edition of the Playwriting Workshop led by actor and writer Mimi Brănescu will conclude with a series of staged readings presented between June 2 and 6, 2026, at the Media Hall of the National Theater of Bucharest. Conceived by Mimi Brănescu with the support of the National Theater of Bucharest (TNB), the project reflects, with each edition, the Bucharest National Theater’s ongoing commitment to supporting the new generation of playwrights and fostering their artistic debuts on a professional theater stage. Mimi Brănescu is the author of several plays that have been staged and well-received on numerous stages across Romania, including “Acasă la tata,” “Dumnezeul de a doua zi,” “Genul acuzativ,” “Ultimii,” and “Family.exe.” Her artistic experience provided workshop participants with access to an authentic and professional perspective on playwriting and the relationship between text and stage. NTB offers young, emerging playwrights the opportunity to have their first direct encounter with professional actors and the audience. The plays to be presented are: “No Signal” by Diana Amitroaie, “Under Review…” by Ana Avram, “We’ll Talk Later” by Andrei Barbu, “Fame and Other Addictions” by Anamaria Codiță, “Blood of Your Blood” by Valeriu Ilisie, “By the Sea” by Denis Imbrescu, “In the Lead Role, Nora” by Serin Jemaa, “Black-Hearted Ace” by Laurențiu Lungu, “Semolina with Milk” by Alexia Matei, “The Taxi Cab Theory” by Ioana Niculae, “Hooked” by Aurora Păunescu. Admission to this series of reading performances is free and requires registration via bilet.ro The project coordinator, Mimi Brănescu, shared a few words with us about the fourth edition of the workshop, the texts produced as a result, and the meeting with the young authors: “These texts fall somewhere between ‘I’ve never written anything’ and ‘this is my first important piece.’ They should be viewed as bold attempts. If writing, let’s say, were a four-year course, here you have access to the exam at the end of the first year. My big request would be to try to see not only what is missing—there is a lot missing for these to be great texts—but also what they and their authors might become. Because, in my opinion, you can glimpse a potential author in enough of these fragments.” You will witness the outcome of an amateur playwright’s pro bono endeavor—an honest attempt to share with others the few things he has discovered about writing, through the act of writing itself. For those among them who choose to take it further, however, meeting with me will not be enough. I hereby invite those who can do more not to sit idly by. They need encouragement, money, any kind of support. Stand by them, and perhaps in this way, your children and grandchildren will add to the high school curriculum authors whom you yourselves have nurtured. The criteria by which I selected them were: that they had never written for the theater before and had never participated in another writing workshop. And whatever else I asked them there, as far as my mind and good faith would take me. Because I’m no Garabet Ibrăileanu or Titu Maiorescu myself. It’s common knowledge what I’m like, or it’s easy to find out, since I haven’t kept it a secret. I thank the National Theater for the generosity with which it hosted us again this year. Finally, I’d like to note here, in small print, that this group, the fourth, was the last one I mentored. I invite others to do the same.” The National Theatre of Bucharest will publish the 11 plays resulting from the fourth edition of the workshop coordinated by Mimi Brănescu, offering both theatre professionals and the general public access to dramatic works that emphasize authenticity, direct observation, and the desire of emerging playwrights to transform personal experiences and current themes into theatrical material. Schedule of the reading performances, NTB Media Hall, June 2–6, 2026: June 2nd 11 am: Under review... by Ana Avram 1 pm: Black Heart Ace by Laurențiu Lungu June 3rd 11 am: Fame and Other Addictions by Anamaria Codiță 1 pm: Milk semolina by Alexia Matei June 4th 11 am: Blood of your blood by Valeriu Ilisie 1 pm: Hooked by Aurora Păunescu June 5th 11 am: Out of range by Diana Amitroaie 1 mm: We'll talk after by Andrei Barbu June 6th 11 am: In the lead role, Nora by Serin Jemaa 1 mm: By the Sea by Denis Imbrescu 3 pm: The Taxi Cab Theory by Ioana Niculae Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu

The National Theater of Bucharest is TNB Activ on WhatsApp 25 May 2026

Starting May 25, 2026, the “I.L. Caragiale” National Theater in Bucharest is launching TNB Activ, its official WhatsApp channel for theatergoers. TNB Activ is a direct information channel through which the public receives quick updates on premieres, performances, and tours; stays up to date in real time on tickets going on sale and special events; and learns everything about upcoming projects and meet-and-greets with their favorite artists. This makes communication simpler, more personal, and more efficient—only relevant information, delivered directly to the audience’s phones. By launching this channel, TNB aims to be closer to its community and provide quick access to everything happening on the theater’s stages. Subscription is free, and viewers can unsubscribe at any time. TNB Activ – information reaches viewers directly from the stage. Subscription link: TNB Activ Or QR code below 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

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

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