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National Eugene Ionesco Theatre, Moldova

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Description
Information about institution: 

The National Eugene Ionesco Theatre is one of the main theatres in the Republic of Moldova, and the only avant-garde theatre from our country. On September 11, 2016, it will celebrate 25 years of existence. The Theatre succeeded in gaining the enthusiasm and appreciation of the local public, and progressed with success in taking part in various international theatre festivals, making extensive international tours.The National Eugene Ionesco Theatre have been touring through England, Egypt, France, Georgia, Estonia,Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, Hungary, Belarus.In the current repertoire of the theatre there are a big variety of genres: social, absurd, romantic, black comedies, dramas, contact improvisations, monoperformances,etc. During its existance, directors from everywhere wanted to direct performances on the stage of this particular theatre, with its actors: The performance ,,How to explain the history of communism to mental patiens" was directed by Charles Lee(France), ,,The loveliest afternoon of the year" and ,,The shawl" were directed by Kenneth Campbell(USA), ,,Jack or the Submission and the Future is in Eggs" was directed by Moshe Yassur (USA), ,,Out cry" was directed by Volia Vaha (Russia), ,,Hamlet" was directed by Ion Sapdaru (Romania), ,,The Misanthrope", directed by Nugzar Lordkipanidze (Georgia), etc. The National Eugene Ionesco Theatre has a really big interest about the social problems, reflected in the modern international and national dramaturgy, and this interest materializes in its repertoire. At the end of May, beginning of June 2016, Eugene Ionesco Theater receives the title of national institution, after the proposal of the Minister of Culture, Monica Babuc.

 

 

Short history: 

History

The National Eugene Ionesco Theatre was officially founded on September 11, 1991. Before that, a group of young actors, graduated the Boris Shchukin Theatre School in Moscow, and after their return to Chisinau, they made their debut at Luceafarul Theatre from Chisinau, but still, their ambition was to create a new theatrical concept. Finally, after a year of activity on the stage of Anton Pann Theatre from Ramnicu-Valcea (Romania), a new theatre was founded- both as an institution and as a cultural event. The idea to give the new theatre the name of Eugene Ionesco was not a random choice. The aprrovement of the great Romanian-born French playwrighter, Eugene Ionesco, was the first victory of the Vakhtangov's school descendents within the dramatic space of the absurd universe. The young performers, deciphering with dexterity the ideas from the texts of both classical and modern authors, managed to create that tragicomedy antinomies, the dynamic equilibrium of which underlies the absurd dramatism. The distinct style would be adopted and improved by time, and the young actors would attract very soon the attention of the audience and the theatrical critics from Moldova and from abroad. In 1993 the theatre becomes member of the Informal European Theatre Meeting. Since 1994, the theatre organizes, along with the Moldavian Ministry of Culture, the International Biennial Festival of the Eugene Ionesco Theatre-BITEI, an unique event in the cultural life of the Republic of Moldova. The first edition of the Festival (1994) was entirely dedicated to the plays of Eugene Ionesco. There were invited troupes from 9 countries (Romania, France, Albania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Lithuania, and Republic of Moldova) in the Festival and there were performed 13 shows. In 2014, the BITEI Festival became a national holiday in the country.The last edition took place between 27th of May and 5th of June 2016, where were invited 21 theatre companies from 13 countries. During this last edition, the Government of the Republic of Moldova decided that the Eugene Ionesco Theatre become a National one.

The most important projects: 

Most important projects

In November and December of 2005 the Eugene Ionesco Theatre joined forces with the Mission of International Organization for Migration in Moldoval and formed the "Combating Trafficking of Human Beings" project. The European Commission provided financial backing. In its framework, the IOM supports Theatre EUGENE IONESCO in the production and presentation of the play "Abandoned People".

The collaboration with KAZE Theatre, Japan, proved to be extremely fruitful. Their production of “Hamlet,” directed by Petru Vutcarau, has become one of KAZE's most significant works.

Since 1994, the theatre organizes, along with the Moldavian Ministry of Culture, the International Biennial Festival of the Eugene Ionesco Theatre-BITEI, an unique event in the cultural life of the Republic of Moldova.The first edition of the Festival (1994) dedicated to the drama of Eugene Ionesco, was supported by SOROS Foundation in Moldova, Ministry of culture of Republic of Moldova and Ministry of culture and religious affairs of Romania. There were invited troupes from 9 countries (Romania, France, Albania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Lithuania, and Republic of Moldova) in the Festival and there were performed 13 shows.The second edition of the Festival (1997) was carried out under the generic TRADITION AND MODERNITY. It was organized together with Ministry of culture of Republic of Moldova and supported by Soros Foundation in Moldova, Ministry of culture and religious affairs of Romania, Chisinau Municipality and Theatrical Union of Moldova. That edition brought together Theatre companies from 7 countries (Italy, Japan, Romania, Russia, France, Canada and the Republic of Moldova). There were included 12 performances in the program. Kazuhisa Nakanishi (Japan) and Mauro Piombo (Italy) held the Workshop “Actor’s Technique”. Technical elements of traditional Japanese Theatre and Commedia dell’Arte were submitted during 4 days.The theatrical poster is an important promotional tool and the painter Ion Plamadeala together with his colleagues from the theatrical center “Coliseum” proved that once again, within the Art-Show “Theatrical Poster” by means of music, dance and pantomime. Also it was organized a Conference on the theme ”Traditional Japanese Theatre” – supported by Tetsunosuke Tomita (Japan), historian, specialist in Japanese traditional theatreThe Third Edition (1999) has been carried out under the generic MEETINGS at the END of the CENTURY. There were involved theatre companies from 8 countries (France, Japan, Romania, Russia, Italy, Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and Republic of Moldova) that were hosted by 14 theatres in Chisinau.In the festival program was included the presentation of UBU Magazine held by Chantal Boiron, editor director, Scenes d’Europe, Europeenene, Revute Theatrale France. An important event was the Conference “Romanian Theatre and cultural identity issues”, held by Marian Popescu, director of the UNITER UNITEXT, theatre critic, translator, professor from Bucharest, Romania. “Japanese theatrical art” held by Nakanishi Kayuhisa, actor, stage director from Japan.Also there were organized the following workshops: “International ways of cooperation between theater critics” (Chantal Boiron, France), “Choreography and stage movement” (Michael Ruegg, United Kingdom), “From text to image on stage” (Marian Popescu, Romania) and the Workshop “The journey into the world of bodily expression” (Alain Mollot, Director, France). The Festival was organized by “Eugene Ionesco” Theatre, along with Ministry of culture of the Republic of Moldova and Ministry of culture and religious affairs of Romania, with the support of SOROS Foundation Moldova and French Alliance in Moldova.The 4th edition of International Festival of Theatre “Eugene Ionesco (BITEI 2001) had the theme INTERFERENCE. It was organized with the support of SOROS Foundation and French Alliance in Moldova. Biennial program included 22 performances, staged by theatrical companies from Romania, Ukraine, Belarus, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, France. We were honored of the presence of the theatrical company “Angelus 99″ from Tokyo. They performed a new, modern version of Othello.Four theaters from Romania attended BITEI 2001 edition: National Theatre from Bucharest, with ” Mother Queen ” by Mario Santanelli, directed by Gelu Colceag; National Theatre, Iaşi with “Tartuffe” written by Molière and “The virgin and the death” by Ariel Dorfman; State Theatre, Oradea with “Erendira …” by G.G. Marquez; and Sica Alexandrescu Theatre from Brasov with “Marriage proposal” by Gogol. For the first time, Theatre Schools section was included in the Festival with performances made by students of performing arts from Chişinău, Iaşi (Romania) and representatives of Teatranza Theatre School,Italy.A workshop in drama writing was held by Matei Visniec and the French Director Charles Lee, staged “History of communism as told for people with dementia” by Matei Vişniec.From 22 to 31 May 2003, took place the 5th Edition. For 10 days in Chisinau have met troupes from Italy (Moncalieri), Bulgaria (“Sava Dobroplodni ”Theatre, Sinistra), United Kingdom (Perpetual Motion Theatre in London), Ukraine (“Taras Sevcenco ” Theatre in Kharkiv and “Voskresenia” Theatre in Lvov), Japan (Yokohama Boat Theatre), Russia (State Theater of Nations and “Ognivo” Puppet Theatre), Serbia (Balkan Wave Theatre Belgrade).The edition of that year gathered many theatre companies from Romanian, among the invitees were: National Theatre of Craiova with “The inspector general”, National Theatre of Iasi with „A dog heart” by Mikhail Bulgakov, “Maria Filotti” Theatre of Brăila with “Straight as a line”, “Andrei Mureşanu Theatre” of Sfântu Gheorghe with the performance “Algae”.Florin Zamfirescu and Catalina Mustată performed in the show”Anonymous venetian”, Theatre from Sibiu. The selection aligned up to ramp production, especially of young directors like Claudiu Goga, Radu Apostol, and others. The concert of the singer Aga Milea reprezented a big event in the festival (Bucharest, Romania). Workshops, press conferences, and other cultural activities were not absent from the program. That edition was again supported by SOROS Foundation in Moldova.The 6th Edition (2004) of the Festival entitled ” Chekhov Planet ” gathered 9 theatre companies from 6 countries (Germany, Italy, Japan, France, Romania, Moldova) and submitted 10 performances based on between tradition and experiment, some with an important number of actors, others-in the form of monospectacle. There were organized an exhibition of costumes and stage design of KAZE Theatre Company, in Tokyo, and a video screening of the show ” Chekhov Machinery” by Matei Visniec. The press conferences that were held daily served as a barometer to determine the interest of the press, readers and viewers upon the performances of the previous and not only. That edition was again supported by SOROS Foundation in Moldova.

The 7th edition of the Biennial “Eugène Ionesco” Theatre (BITEI) held on the topic Between Orient and Occident, was organized between 16 and 28 may, 2006. It gave to the audience the possibility of enjoying 39 performances with various artistic and sometimes contradictory visions. The program of the festival included performances of theatrical companies from Europe and Asia, representing 14 countries (France, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Spain, Poland, Georgia, Lithuania, South Korea, Romania, Moldova). In 2006, “BITEI Eugène Ionesco” Theatre celebrated its15 years of existence.
The fame of “Western” cultural dynamic ecosystem has been confirmed by several original productions at BITEI. Teatro delle Radici Lugano, Switzerland offerd to the public the one woman show ”Threshold” performed and staged by Cristina Castrillo. A pinnacle of Bessarabian Biennial has been reached thanks to the performance of Hamlet. Henryk. Hospital. (HHH) submitted by Teatralne Studium Company (Warsaw).
The Japanese troupes’ participation has become a tradition for BITEI. In 2006, the audience could see for the first time two productions of the Nottle and Changpa Theatre Companies from South Korea. From the nearest East, State Theatre troupe from Ankara (Turkey) arrived in Chisinau. It has been observed that globalization has contributed to the emergence of a strong competition for the traditional oriental theatre.
The 8th edition of BITEI International Theatre Festival 2008, entitled “Crossroads” was organized from 24 May to 1 June 2008. There were intersected different cultures, nationalities, traditions, genres of art, aesthetic vision, and talents on stages and Chisinau streets during those nine days. Theater companies from Romania, Poland, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Spain, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, India, Germany, Turkey, Georgia, Lithuania and Ukraine participated in the festival. Dramatic theatre performances, theatre for children, street theatre, non-verbal theater and musical theater were included in the program of festival. As well as, film screenings, critical debates, exhibitions, body art workshops, a symposium, conferences and other activities were held in the festival.
The 8th edition of BITEI International Theatre Festival 2008 was organized by the “Eugene Ionesco” Theatre, in collaboration with the Ministry of culture and tourism and the Moldovan Theatrical Union, under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and with the support of Chisinau Municipality.
The ninth edition of the Festival BITEI (2010) was held under the slogan FOR A BETTER WORLD. The option for quality was defining in the selection of shows presented in the 9th edition of BITEI. It is one of the most important theatrical events in Republic of Moldova that brought together approximately 540 participants from Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden, Estonia, Hungary, Georgia, India, Ireland, Spain, Turkey, Japan, and Republic of Moldova.
The program of the festival included three sections: Theater, Music, and Dance. Within these sections, there were played dramatic theatre performances, modern dance performances, puppet theatre, music and folklore. There were held debates, meetings at the event with people interested in theatre, personalities, and guests invited to the festival.
BITEI International Festival became the most important and requested theatrical event from the cultural life of Republic of Moldova, having a wide echo in Europe and in the entire world.
“Eugene Ionesco” Theatre held in Chisinau from 25 May to 3 June 2012 , the 10th Edition, Jubilee, of the International Festival of Scenic Arts Biennial “Eugene Ionesco” Theatre, BITEI-2012.
“Eugene Ionesco” Theatre held in Chisinau from 15 May to 15 June 2014 , the 11th Edition, of the International Festival of Scenic Arts Biennial “Eugene Ionesco” Theatre, BITEI-2014. The 12th edition of BITEI was organised, from 27 May to 5 June 2016, under the motto-,,Together, only together", where were invited 21 theatre companies from 13 countries.

The most important awards: 

Most important awards

In 2014, The National Eugene Ionesco Theatre receives, from the European Cultural Forum, the Award for Cultural Achievements of Major Importance, for  developing the relations between Moldova and the European countries through culture - the prize is awarded annually to an institution or an event from the European countries.

2006-April 27-Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) UNITEM Awards, ,,Elizabeth the I"-award for the best female role, award of excellence from the Romanian Embassy in Moldova for mister Petru Vutcarau for the implication, talent, and personal contribution towards the support and promotion of the Romanian culture and civilizations;

2006-April 1-Bacau (Romania), Gala Star One Man Show, Internationa Theatre Festival, ,,Picasso's women. Jacqueline"-Ala Mensicov awarded for the best female one man show performance;

2005-November 21- Brasov (Romania), Festival of Modern Playwriting, ,,Fuck you, Eu.ro.PA!", Doriana Talmazan awarded for the best female role;

2003-March, Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), UNITEM Awards, ,,Wolves and sheeps", Petru Vutcarau awarded for the best directing, Vitalie Drucec as Murzavetsky awarded for the best male supporting role, Award of honour of the Russian Communities Congress of Republic of Moldova for the contribution towards the development of the Russian culture in Moldova-the best contemporary performance of the Russian classics;

2001-September 1-11, Cairo (Egypt), Festival of Experimental Theatre, ,,Hungarian Medeea"-nomination for the best female role prize-Margareta Pantea as Medeea;

2000-May 22-31, Piatra-Neamt (Romania), International Festival of Theatre, ,,History of communism as told for the mentally ill"- The symphaty of the Public Award;

1999-December, Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), UNITEM Awards, ,,A midsummer night dream"-the award for the best performance of the year, Vitalie Drucec awarded for the best supporting male role, Marian Starcea awarded for the best original music, Tatiana Popescu awarded for the best costumes, Boris Golea awarded for the best settings;

1998-May 2-8, Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), National Festival of Modern Playwriting, ,,The Usherettes"-The Big Award for the best performance, Nelly Cozaru awarded for the best female role, Alina Turcanu awarded for the best supporting female role, Tatiana Popescu awarded for best costumes;

1997-December, Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), UNITEM Awards, ,,The General Inspector"-The award for the best performance of the year, Nelly Cozaru awarded for the best supporting female role,Petru Oistric awared for the best supporting male role. For the play ,,Hungarian Medeea"-the best debut directing prize;

1996-May, Iasi (Romania)-Festival of National Theatre I.L.Caragiale, ,,Voices in the dazzling light"-Nelly Cozaru awarded for the most expressive presence on stage;

December, Chisinau (Republic of Moldova)-TOP Teatru '96, ,,Voices in the dazzling light"-The award for the best performance of the year. Petru Vutcarau was awarded as the best director of the year;

1995-Oradea (Romania), International Festival of Classic Drama, ,,Voices in the dazzling light"-The Big Award for the best performance, Angela Doni awarded for the best choreography;

Timisoara (Romania), International Festival of Theatre Author-95, ,,Chirita in provincie"-Petru Vutcarau awarded for innovative directing, Igor Chistol awarded for the best male role;

Best performance of the year ,,Voices in the dazzling light"-Soros Foundation Award for theatrical achievement;

1994-Sibiu (Romania), International Festival of Theatre, ,,Exit the King"-Petru Vutcarau awarded for the best male role;

Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), International Biennial of the Eugene Ionesco Theatre, ,,Exit the King"-Ala Mensicov awarded for the best female role;

1993-Brasov (Romania), International Festival of Modern Theatre, ,,Exit the King"-Award of honour for the originality of the performance, Petru Vutcarau awarded with the prize for the best male role;

Cairo (Egypt),Festival of Experimental Theatre, ,,Exit the King"-Petru Vutcarau awarded for the best male role;

Chisinau (Republic of Moldova)-Festival of Young talents-The award for the best actor team, Angela Doni awarded with the choreography prize;

1992-Bucharest (Romania)-National Festival of Theatre I.L.Caragiale, ,,Joseph and his mistress"-Awarded for staging a valuable text;

Cairo (Egypt), International Festival of Experimental Theatre, ,,Waiting for Godot"-Petru Vutcarau awarded for the best performance and for the best male role;

Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), National Festival of Theatre Gh.Asachi, ,,Joseph and his mistress"-Six prizes, among them, the award for the best perfomance;

1991-Oradea (Romania), The week of Short Theatre, ,,Hey, good people!"-Elvira Platon and Gheorghe Grau were awarded for the best female and male roles;

Bacau (Romania), National Mono plays Competition, International Centre of Art and Culture George Apostu, ,,Hey, good people!"-Elvira Platon was awarded with Gala Prize;

Bucharest (Romania),National Festival of Theatre I.L.Caragiale, ,,The Bald Soprano"-Youth Prize;

1990-Bucharest (Romania),National Festival of Theatre I.L.Caragiale, ,,Waiting for Godot"-Youth Prize;

1988-Talinn (Estonia), International Festival of Experimental Theatre, ,,Waiting for Godot"-The prize for the best performance;

Ivano-Frankovsk (Ukraine), International Festival of Theatre, ,,It is totally different in Venice"-The prize for the best performance.

Plans: 

Plans

In September 2016, the National Eugene Ionesco Theater is invited to participate, with the performance ,,Oscar and the Pink Lady" by Eric Emmanuel Schmitt, directed by Petru Vutcarau, and the International Braila Theatre Festival from Romania, and at the Golden Lion Theatre Festival from Lvov, Ukraine.

The famous Romanian-born French choreographer Georges Caciuleanu wants to direct a contact improvisation performance with the actors of Eugene Ionesco in October-November 2016.

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