PREMIERE – A STORMY NIGHT

"Ion Besoiu" Cultural Center Sibiu

February 28, 2025 at 19:00

A masterpiece of Caragiale's genius, "A Stormy Night" is the ultimate effervescent, bittersweet, colorful, and savory x-ray of the Romanian spirit, in all its facets, with its good and... less (un)good sides.

In the new directorial approach proposed by VLAD ZAMFIRESCU, we rediscover Caragiale's characters for today's world, with the fragrance and emotion of a bygone neighborhood, where the music of Jean Moscopol resonates, inviting us to enter, amidst aromas of spices and steaming food, among scaffolding, repairs, and cats that "stormily" meow their longing.

In this picturesque space, where the outside turmoil boils into an uncontrollable inner frenzy, the kitchen becomes the much-tested heart of the intimate universe. Jupân Dumitrache, played by NICULAE URS, acts like the (master)chef of the house and the table, carefully and ambitiously preparing the food, while allowing the passionate Ipingescu, powerfully portrayed by MIRCEA RUSU, to try his culinary-political talents, even to the point of "eating the holy Constitution."

In the scenic proposition of the formidable CARMEN TĂNASE, Veta is the keeper of cleanliness and order, in this story with a scent of style, finesse, and neighborhood betrayal, led charmingly by the sly and captivating Chiriac, played by VLAD ZAMFIRESCU. Meanwhile, Spiridon (GABRIEL VATAVU/ȘTEFAN RADU) receives all meetings with Saint Niculae with an (overly wide) smile, taken down from the shelf in no time.

In an absolutely surprising role, MAIA MORGENSTERN is an explosive and insanely delicious Zița, while MARIUS MANOLE builds a Rica Venturiano rich in anxieties, threatening to shatter the honor of being a family man, while negotiating, both ridiculously and sensitively, his role in the small homeland, but especially in the great homeland.

"The people sit at the table" in this staging where painting, plastering, building, eating, and debating all mix together, from ideas to feelings, ingredients, and relationships, giving flavor to a "Stormy Night" like never before.

A fast-paced and surprising show, explosively comic, that makes you think, with an exceptional cast – "A Stormy Night" is about national and personal values, about ironic humor, about patriots and family men, nouveau riches and journalists who argue, but most of all about love, in its more or less... traditional forms.

The spectacular stage design is by Imelda Manu-Jipa, the character costumes belong to Maria Ștefănescu, and Mădălina Ciupitu is the assistant director.

Cast:
MAIA MORGENSTERN – Zița
MARIUS MANOLE – Rica Venturiano
CARMEN TĂNASE – Veta
VLAD ZAMFIRESCU – Chiriac
MIRCEA RUSU – Nae Ipingescu
NICULAE URS – Jupân Dumitrache Titircă
GABRIEL VATAVU – Spiridon

Director: VLAD ZAMFIRESCU
Stage Design: IMELDA MANU-JIPA
Assistant Director: MĂDĂLINA CIUPITU

For additional details regarding the above event, please contact the organizing company:  CORTINA AG SRL,  CIF 36312399, BUCHAREST