The Gaițele

by Alexandru Kiritescu

May 19, 2025 at 20:00

You cannot remain indifferent to a show based on such a text as Kirițescu's "Gaițele".

At first, you laugh with tears. And then you freeze because you realize that you are laughing at yourself, at your family, at this people. "Gaițele" is the perfect characterization of Romanianism in its most brutal, intimate, and unmasked moments. The produced show manages to capture very well this atmosphere of morbid national tragicomedy. The scenography, well thought out and easily maneuvered, with strong interwar Romanian accents in terms of home decorations, as well as the soundtrack, contribute significantly to constructing the environment in which the Duduleanu family lives their infamously native life.

You will rediscover 4 remarkable actresses in the 4 main female roles: Maia Morgenstern (a terrifically believable Aneta Duduleanu, with strong comedic accents but not overstated), Carmen Tănase  (an exceptional Zoia, likeable, but also with a powerful stage expression), Virginia Rogin (one of the most refined, complex, and masterful actresses, here with a major role in Lena) and Adriana Trandafir (a mountain of talent, passion, and dedication, meticulously creating an unprecedented Fräulein until now).

The love triangle cannot be overlooked, brilliantly portrayed by Diana Cavallioti (a sensual, feminine Wanda with a boiling inner power), Andreea Chirițescu (an astonishingly self-possessed Margareta), and Tudor Istodor (an authentic and original Mircea). Gabriel Fătu, Ioana Ancea, and Ion Ionuț Ciocia have a very important contribution in the three comic roles of Ianache, Colette, and Georges Duduleanu, the sons and daughter-in-law of Aneta. Lastly, in the small but very expressive role of Zamfira, Mariangela Coldea shines through the joy of her performance, bringing to the forefront a role that is usually overlooked. And all this theatrical symphony is conducted with sure hands by director Gelu Colceag.

Congratulations also go to Imelda Manu, the creator of the scenography, Ioana Colceag and Geanina Punkosti, the creators of the wonderful costumes that fit the time of the action, as well as to Teodora Petre, assistant director, who ensures the smooth running of each performance.

Cast:
Aneta Duduleanu – Maia Morgenstern
Zoia – Carmen Tănase
Lena – Virginia Rogin
Fräulein – Adriana Trandafir
Wanda Serafim – Diana Cavallioti
Margareta Aldea – Andreea Chirițescu
Mircea Aldea – Tudor Istodor
Ianache Duduleanu – Gabriel Fătu
Georges Duduleanu – Ionuț Ciocia
Colette Duduleanu – Ioana Ancea
Zamfira – Mariangela Coldea

Directed by — Gelu Colceag