The Hens

by Alexandru Kiritescu

July 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM

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

At first, you laugh with tears. And then you become stone-faced when you realize that you are laughing at yourself, your family, and this nation. "The Hens" is the perfect characterization of Romanianism in its most brutal, intimate, and maskless moments. The produced show manages to capture this atmosphere of morbid national tragicomedy very well. The scenography, well thought out and easily maneuverable, with strong interwar Romanian accents in the decorations, as well as the soundtrack, fully contribute to constructing the environment in which the Duduleanu family leads their infamously local life.

You will rediscover four remarkable actresses in the four main female roles: Maia Morgenstern (an incredibly credible Aneta Duduleanu, with strong but unexaggerated comic accents), Carmen Tănase (an exceptional Zoia, charming yet forceful in expression), Virginia Rogin (one of the most refined, complex, and masterful actresses, here in a major role as Lena), and Adriana Trandafir (a mountain of talent, passion, and dedication, meticulously creating a previously unseen Fräulein).

The love triangle, brilliantly interpreted by Diana Cavallioti (a sensual, feminine, and intensely powerful Wanda), Andreea Chirițescu (a remarkably self-possessed Margareta), and Tudor Istodor (an authentic and original Mircea), cannot be overlooked. Gabriel Fătu, Ioana Ancea, and Ion Ionuț Ciocia significantly contribute to 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 her joyful performance, bringing to the forefront a role that is usually overlooked. And this entire theatrical symphony is led with a steady hand by director Gelu Colceag.

Congratulations are always directed toward Imelda Manu, the creator of the scenography, Ioana Colceag and Geanina Punkosti, the creators of the remarkable costumes fitting the time of the action, and Teodora Petre, assistant director, who ensures the smooth progress 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