Chisinau Municipal Youth Center kicked off the “OSTENDE” Municipal Youth Theater Festival  

On the occasion of the World Theatre Day, celebrated on March 27, Chisinau hosts an annual event that brings together young theater enthusiasts – the Municipal Youth Theatre Festival ”OSTENDE” , which aims to create a space for reflection on the theatrical act and to support and promote young artists in the field of theater.

By February 28, interested troupes filled in the registration form. After an analysis of the submitted videos, the theatre companies were selected and included in the festival program.

From March 26 to 28, the young participants will be involved in a series of three thematic workshops facilitated by renowned personalities from the arts:

• Mariana Bratu, actress at the Theater ,,Geneza Art” – the workshop “The Art of Speaking. Energetics of the actor and getting into the role”;
• Roman Malai, actor and director – workshop “Attention and stage thinking”;
• Iulian Bubuioc, actor and director – “Actor Training. Working with the partner”.

During the opening ceremony, Petru Grecu, director of the Chisinau Municipal Youth Center, came with a message to the participants:

“The Ostend Festival comes, first and foremost, not only with a day to perform on stage and show off your talent, but also with the opportunity to interact with other young people. That’s really one of the aims of the festival and we’re delighted that the tradition continues this year.

Two former participants who won prizes at the previous edition also shared their experiences with the new entrants.

Victoria Breahna, a member of the band ,,Alistar”, winner of the first prize, communicated that intense emotions and excitement are natural for any participant:

“Last year, I was exactly in your shoes – with emotions, excitement and anticipation. I went home with the first prize, but beyond the trophy, I won something much more valuable: experience, memories and the certainty that theater is part of me. Today it is you who write the story of this edition. Be authentic and live every moment on stage.”

Vlada Ciuperci, a member of the second prize-winning “Dante” troupe, emphasized that the festival is an opportunity for personal growth and discovery:

“Young people who want to and are passionate about theater, should not be afraid, but try. The festival is not just a competition, it’s a story, where you have the chance to meet new people, experience new stories in new characters.”

Theatre troupes included in the festival program will perform on Saturday, 29 March 2025 on the stage of the National Theatre “Satiricus Ion Luca Caragiale”. Young people will present their performances in front of a jury of theater and cultural professionals.

For their effort and talent, the participants will compete for prizes totaling over 60 000 lei, distributed as follows:

• First Prize – 25 000 lei;
• Second Prize – 20 000 lei;
• Third Prize – 15 000 lei.

In addition to the prizes awarded to the troupes ranked in the first three places, there will also be individual awards for the best female and best male actor in the amount of 3 000 lei, in appreciation of their talent and dedication on stage.Regardless of the prizes won, each participant will go home with a valuable experience, unforgettable memories and the desire to continue to create. OSTENDE Municipal Theatre Festival for Young People remains an essential pillar in supporting the new generation of artists, consolidating its role as a promoter of young theater in the Republic of Moldova.