Event dedicated to the 400th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST FOLIO 1623 EDITION OF THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
The Marin Sorescu National Theatre and the Shakespeare Foundation are organising the international THEATRE PODIUMS event dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio 1623 edition of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare and the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the theatre's current building.
As part of this event, held under the auspices of the International Shakespeare Festival, one of the most appreciated cultural events in Romania, between April 20 and 23, 2023, temporal and geographical bridges will be built in Craiova that bring the past to the present and unite the cultures of the world. The citizens of Craiova will be part of more than 30 events: indoor and outdoor theater performances, book launches and scientific communication sessions.
With the presence of the National Theatre "Ivan Franko" from Kiev (Ukraine) with the performance "Coriolanus" we are building a cultural bridge that will give a strong voice to the culture of the neighbouring country, which is going through difficult times.
The four-day program includes performances of "Macbeth" at the Flabbergast Theater in London, directed by Henry Maynard, a production made in partnership with the European Shakespeare Festival Network, and "Richard III" staged by László Bocsárdi at the National Theatre. Marin Sorescu" from Craiova. Thematically linked, the two shows talk about war, crimes and betrayals, about inhuman brutalities and monstrosities, about injustice and about the need to punish those who are responsible for the misfortunes caused.
Alongside the three performances, the programme also includes, also for its symbolism, a guest performance from the European Capital of Culture 2023, "Hamlet" from the "Mihai Eminescu" National Theatre in Timișoara, directed by Adei Lupu Hausvater, and a performance from the Flute Theatre in Stradford upon Avon, "The Tempest", premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company, dedicated to autistic children. The host of this type of theatre, actress Kelly Hunter, has recently been awarded the high distinction of Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain for her work with autism.
Every day, Craiovians will take part in urban theatrical events that will take place in William Shakespeare Square, Mihai Viteazul Square, Frații Buzești Square and Nicolae Romanescu Park.
There will also be extensive conferences by internationally renowned Romanian theatrical personalities, occasions in which the contribution of Craiova and Romanian culture to the heritage of universal culture will be debated. At the evocation of personalities such as Liviu Ciulei or George Banu will be present in Craiova renowned theatre people who have been actively participating for years in the world cultural prestige of our city.
Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Agency and online at https://ebilet.tncms.ro/ebilet
Organizers: "Marin Sorescu" National Theater and the Shakespeare Foundation
Funders: Craiova City Hall and Craiova Local Council, Ministry of Culture
Partners: The Romanian Cultural Institute, the British Embassy in Bucharest, British Council Romania, the Romanian Theater Union and the European Network of Shakespeare Festivals, the Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Institute, the University of Birmingham and the University of Craiova.
