Gaitele

by Alexandru Kiritescu

24 February 2025 8:00 PM

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

Initially, you laugh with tears. And then you freeze because you realize you are laughing at yourself, your family, this nation. "Gaițele" perfectly characterizes Romanian-ness in its most harsh, intimate, and unmasked moments. The production succeeds in capturing this atmosphere of morbid national tragicomedy. The well-thought-out and easily maneuverable scenography, with strong interwar Romanian accents in the house decorations, and the soundtrack contribute abundantly to constructing the environment in which the Duduleanu family unfolds their infamous local life.

You will rediscover 4 special actresses in the 4 main female roles: Maia Morgenstern (a terribly believable Aneta Duduleanu, with strong but subtle comedic accents), Carmen Tănase (an exceptional Zoia, charming yet with strong 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 creating a never-before-seen Fräulein).

The love triangle is also unforgettable, brilliantly played by Diana Cavallioti (a sensual, feminine Wanda with a simmering inner power), Andreea Chirițescu (an astoundingly self-controlled Margareta), and Tudor Istodor (an authentic and original Mircea). Gabriel Fătu, Ioana Ancea, and Ion Ionuț Ciocia significantly contribute in the comedic roles of Ianache, Colette, and Georges Duduleanu, the sons and daughter-in-law of Aneta. Lastly, in the small but telling role of Zamfira, Mariangela Coldea shines with her joy of acting, bringing forward a role often overlooked. And this entire theatrical symphony is conducted confidently by director Gelu Colceag.

Congratulations also go, each time, to Imelda Manu, the set designer, Ioana Colceag and Geanina Punkosti, the creators of the distinctive 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