The Magpies

by Alexandru Kiritescu

February 25, 2025, 8:00 PM

You cannot remain indifferent to a performance with such a text like Kirițescu's "The Magpies."

At first, you laugh to tears. Then you freeze because you realize you are laughing at yourself, your family, this nation. "The Magpies" is the perfect depiction of Romanianism in its most cruel, intimate, and unmasked moments. The production successfully captures this atmosphere of national tragic-comedy. The scenery, well-conceived and easy to maneuver, with strong interwar Romanian accents in the house's decorations and the soundtrack, greatly contribute to building the environment where the Duduleanu family lives their infamously local life.

You will rediscover 4 remarkable actresses in the 4 main female roles: Maia Morgenstern (a terribly credible Aneta Duduleanu, with strong but not exaggerated comedic accents), Carmen Tănase (an exceptional Zoia, endearing but also with powerful stage expression), Virginia Rogin (one of the most refined, complex, and masterful actresses, here in a grand role as Lena) and Adriana Trandafir (a mountain of talent, passion, and dedication, meticulously crafting an unparalleled Fraulein).

Let's not forget the love triangle, brilliantly portrayed by Diana Cavallioti (a sensual, feminine Wanda with a simmering inner strength), Andreea Chirițescu (an astonishingly self-assured Margareta), and Tudor Istodor (an authentic and original Mircea). Gabriel Fătu, Ioana Ancea, and Ion Ionuț Ciocia make significant contributions in the three comedic roles of Ianache, Colette, and Georges Duduleanu, Aneta's sons and daughter-in-law. Lastly, in the small but very expressive role of Zamfira, Mariangela Coldea shines with her joy of acting, bringing to the forefront a role often overlooked. And this entire theatrical symphony is expertly led by director Gelu Colceag.

Congratulations are always due to Imelda Manu, the set designer, Ioana Colceag, and Geanina Punkosti, the creators of the exceptional costumes appropriate for the action's time, and to Teodora Petre, assistant director, ensuring 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

Director — Gelu Colceag