Grand reopening for National Theatre of Bucharest after renovation

A version of Victor Eftimiu's magic poem 'Insir'te margarite' (String, pearl!) adapted and directed by actor Dan Puric premiered on Saturday evening in the Grand Hall of the National Theatre of Bucharest (TNB) after four years of renovation works on the building.

Photo credit: (c) AGERPRES ARCHIVE

The event drew lots of personalities, including Senate Chairman Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, Culture Minister Ioan Vulpescu, Justice Minister Robert Cazanciuc, Youth and Sports Minister Gabriela Szabo, Bucharest National Opera Director Ioan Razvan Dinca, Romanian Television Director Stelian Tanase, Prince Radu ? the son-in-law of former King Michael I of Romania, tennis star Simona Halep ? applauded by the audience, pianist Dan Grigore, actor Mircea Albulescu, former tennis player Ion Tiriac, Bucharest's District 2 Mayor Neculai Ontanu.

TNB Director, actor Ion Caramitru spoke before the performance, explaining the importance of the works that removed the 'Korean-style façade that had thrown into derision an exceptional building' and restored its initial shape, 'earthquake-proof up to magnitude 9.'

Culture minister Ioan Vulpescu quoted Shakespeare's Prospero of ?The Tempest'??We are such stuff as dreams are made on,' and added: 'Tonight it's a dream coming true.'

Architect Romeo Belea, who supervised the renovation works and authored the original project of the TNB building, was also present. He explained the complex space, with each foyer hosting an exhibition of a great artist, cafes and statues by Romanian sculptors Dimitrie Paciurea, Cornel Medrea and others, representing personalities such as Moliere, playwright and prose writer I.L. Caragiale, actor Grigore Vasiliu Birlic, actress Lucia Sturdza Bulandra and others ? a display of the ...