The fifth Festis International Theater Festival that starts in Chisinau today will be held in accordance with the restrictions imposed by the National Extraordinary Public Health Commission. The Festival’s director Sandu Grecu has told IPN that this year the festival is staged in specific conditions due to the pandemic not only in Moldova, but also in other countries. This year’s theme is “Resisting through Theater”. The people resisted through culture during multiple wars. Though theater, society has developed since antiquity. When there was no radio, TV, Internet, in the theater they discussed the problems of society. The program of the festival includes contemporary works. Twenty-one troupes will stage 26 plays.
The fifth Festis International Festival is held during October 11-21 under the aegis of the mayor general of Chisinau. The cultural event is organized by the National Theater “Satiricus I. L. Caragiale” in partnership with the Chisinau City Hall and the Romanian Cultural Institute. Two volumes will be launched at the start of the festival: “Satiricus – a resistance theater”, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the theater and “Sandu Grecu and Satiricus – a success story”, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the theater’s director.
“Besides the announced plays, we prepared a number of meetings with people of arts. The spectators can attend a news conference titled “The private theater’s role in performing arts” that will be given by Constantin Corimanis. There will be also launched the volume “National dramaturgy of the 1990s in the (con)text of postmodernism, by Dorina Khalil-Butucioc,” stated Sandu Grecu.
In accordance with the National Extraordinary Public Health Commission’s decision, the theater halls must be half-full. Entrance will be based on COVID-19 certificates (PCR test, vaccine test, a certificate from the family doctor showing that the person recovered during the least 180 days or an antibody test). The spectators will maintain social distancing and will wear face masks.
Sandu Grecu stated for IPN that the festival is held once in two years. There will be presented by three plays a day. The event will involve theater critics from a number of states.
