The Crows

by Alexandru Kiritescu

National Palace of Children Bucharest (Youth Theater)

27 October 2024, 8:00 PM

You cannot remain indifferent to such a show on a text like Kiritescu's "The Crows".

Initially, you laugh to tears. And then you freeze because you realize you are laughing at yourself, your family, this nation. "The Crows" are the perfect characterization of Romanianism in its most cruel, intimate, and mask-less moments. The produced performance successfully captures this atmosphere of a morbid national tragicomedy. The well-thought-out and easily maneuverable scenography, with strong interwar Romanian accents in the house decorations, and the soundtrack fully contribute to building the environment where the Duduleanu family conducts their infamously local life.

You will rediscover 4 outstanding actresses in the 4 main female roles: Maia Morgenstern (a terribly believable Aneta Duduleanu, with strong comedic accents, but not overdone), Carmen Tănase (an exceptional Zoia, sympathetic but also with strong scenic expression), Virginia Rogin (one of the most refined, complex, and magnificent actresses, here with a stellar role in Lena) and Adriana Trandafir (a mountain of talent, passion, and dedication, meticulously creating an unprecedented Fraulein).

The love triangle cannot be overlooked either, brilliantly interpreted by Diana Cavallioti (a sensual, feminine Wanda with a simmering inner strength), Andreea Chirițescu (an amazingly composed 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 comedic roles of Ianache, Colette, and Georges Duduleanu, Aneta’s sons and daughter-in-law. Not least, in the small but very expressive role of Zamfira, Mariangela Coldea shines with the joy of playing, bringing to the forefront a role that is usually overlooked. And this entire theatrical symphony is skillfully directed by Gelu Colceag.

Congratulations also go to Imelda Manu, the creator of the scenography, Ioana Colceag, and Geanina Punkosti, the creators of the outstanding and time-appropriate costumes, 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