The show ORFANI, based on the eponymous text by playwright Dennis Kelly, directed by Laura Ducu, premiered at the beginning of this month, as part of the program “Independent premieres” held by Teatrelli, and already had a performance outside the capital, on October 15 , on the stage of the “Toma Caragiu” National Theater in Ploiești, where he was greeted by a full hall and uninterrupted minutes of applause at the end. On October 20 and 21, it returns to Bucharest, in the cultural space of ARTHUBx, recently reopened.
Robert Oprea and Iulia Neacșu. PHOTO: Lavinia Ciocă
“A fresh and local transcription”, “action like a rollercoaster” or “100 intense minutes, well dosed and that make you think” are some of the words with which the first critics greeted the show, a production of the Urbandada Association, co- financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund.
The following performances will be organized in the alternative cultural space of ARTHUBx in Bucharest and will also include a series of activities dedicated to high school students. Thus, on Sunday, October 20, from 19:00, teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 are expected at the performance dedicated to them. Entry is free, and at the end the project team encourages them to stay for a debate about family, expressing and managing intense emotions, racism and violence. The actors and the director will answer all questions and give their perspective on the work process they had in making the show and how cultural-artistic manifestations can contribute to addressing the current issues facing the new generation. Teenagers who want to participate in the performance can register for free, online, by completing this form: https://bit.ly/ORFANI20oct
On the same day, from 11:00, also at ARTHUBx, 16 young people who are part of Communities no. 1 and no. 2 of the organization SOS Children’s Villages, will participate in a workshop aimed at expressing and correctly managing intense emotions and understanding how art can help as a form of therapy. The trainer who will guide the teenagers during the 3-hour workshop is the actress Patricia Ionescu, a constant presence in the independent theater scene in Bucharest, with over 10 years of experience in coordinating acting workshops. “Theater is recognized as a form of therapy, and improvisational exercises can develop and enhance creativity, help with emotion management and self-knowledge. In the Sunday workshop, we aim to familiarize teenagers with this art form, which can open their appetite for theater, but above all, direct them to a path of personal development, healing, discovery. All the improv exercises chosen are interactive, fun, and the goal is achieved through play and play, in a relaxed setting.”Patricia said.
On Monday, October 21, from 19:00, ARTHUBx opens its doors for a performance of the show dedicated to the general public and the cultural center community. Tickets can be bought online, on the Eventbook platform: https://bit.ly/ORFANI21oct
“The cultural and community center ARTHUBx has recently reopened in a new location, on 73 Theodor Speranția street in sector 3, with an enriched format of its activity so far. The program of the cultural center is structured around the needs of the independent cultural sector, offering production or exhibition spaces for performances, concerts, exhibitions or hybrid events, conferences, seminars, workshops as well as a café and bar. The show ORFANI is part of the series of theater productions that ARTHUBx joined this fall as a partner space due to the social and artistic implications of the project and for the importance of the discussion that this show proposes in the public space. We were happy to be their hosts during rehearsals as well and we hope to see as many young people as possible at the performances and debates on October 20 and 21.”, said Nona Șerbănescu, artist and ARTHUBx co-manager.
The show ORFANI is a psychological thriller that reflects domestic realities and explores themes such as family ties, racism, abandonment and solidarity in the face of adversity in the most current and transparent way. Its cast includes Iulia Alexandra Neacșu, Robert Oprea and Șerban Ghilvaci, the scenography is the work of MStudio (Marius A. Stănică and assistant Iness Roșca), the light design was conceived by Nicoleta Ivan, the original music bears the imprint of Andrea Verde, and Rareș Hanțiu sign the production. The project manager is Oana Furdea, co-founder of the Urbandada Association.
