PREMIERE – A STORMY NIGHT
Bucharest National Theatre - "Ion Caramitru" Hall
March 10, 2025, 5:00 PM
A masterpiece of Caragiale's genius, “A Stormy Night” is the supreme vivid, bittersweet, colorful and flavorful radiography of the Romanian spirit, in all its aspects, with the good and the... not-so-good.
In the new directorial approach proposed by VLAD ZAMFIRESCU, we rediscover Caragiale's characters for today's world, with the charm and emotion of an old neighborhood, where the music of Jean Moscopol resonates, inviting us to immerse ourselves, amidst aromas of spices and steaming food, among scaffolding, repairs, and cats meowing their "stormy" longing.
In this picturesque space, where the outside turmoil boils into an uncontrollable internal frenzy, the kitchen becomes the well-tried heart of the intimate universe. Master Dumitrache, played by NICULAE URS, is like a (master)chef of the house and table, preparing food with care and ambition, yet allowing the passionate Ipingescu, powerfully portrayed by MIRCEA RUSU, to test his culinary-political talents, up to "eating the holy Constitution."
In the stage proposal of the formidable CARMEN TĂNASE, Veta is the keeper of cleanliness and order in this story with a hint of style, finesse, and neighborhood betrayal, led with much charm by the cunning and charming Chiriac, played by VLAD ZAMFIRESCU. Meanwhile, Spiridon (GABRIEL VATAVU/ȘTEFAN RADU) accepts with a (too broad) smile all the encounters with St. Nicholas, quickly taken off the hook.
In an absolutely surprising role, MAIA MORGENSTERN is an explosive and deliciously mad Zița, while MARIUS MANOLE builds a Rica Venturiano rich in anxieties, threatening to shatter family honor while negotiating, both ridiculously and sensitively, his role in the small homeland, but especially in the larger one.
“The people sit at the table” in this production where there is painting, plastering, building, eating, and debating, where everything mixes, from ideas to feelings, ingredients, and relationships, adding flavor to a “Stormy Night” like no other before.
A fast-paced and surprising show, explosively comedic, that makes you think, with an exceptional cast – it is “A Stormy Night” about national and personal values, about laughing in adversity, about patriots and family men, social climbers and combating journalists, but most of all about love, in its more or less... traditional forms.
The spectacular scenery is designed by Imelda Manu-Jipa, the character costumes belong to Maria Ștefănescu, and Mădălina Ciupitu is the assistant director.
Cast:
MAIA MORGENSTERN – Zița
MARIUS MANOLE – Rică Venturiano
CARMEN TĂNASE – Veta
VLAD ZAMFIRESCU – Chiriac
MIRCEA RUSU – Nae Ipingescu
NICULAE URS – Master Dumitrache Titircă
GABRIEL VATAVU – Spiridon
Director: VLAD ZAMFIRESCU
Scenography: IMELDA MANU-JIPA
Assistant director: MĂDĂLINA CIUPITU
