Theater, stage and emotion: the 2025 OSTENDE Festival celebrated the talent and passion of dedicated young actors

Theater is a form of artistic expression that continues to gather young art lovers. On March 29, the National Theatre ,,Satiricus Ion Luca Caragiale”, hosted the 9th edition of the Municipal Theatre Festival for Young People ,,OSTENDE”.

Organized annually in the context of the World Theatre Day by the Chisinau Municipal Youth Centre under the aegis of the Chisinau City Hall, the event brought together young people and theatre groups from all over the capital, including:

• Troupe ,,RE” – Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts with the play ,,The King is Dying” by Eugene Ionescu, artistic director: Anastasia Maraeva ;
• The English Theatre Troupe – “Mircea Eliade” Theoretical High School with the play ,,The Wizard of Oz” by Frank Baum, artistic director: Zbancă Evelina ;
• Troupe ,,Dante” – made up of young people from different high schools with the play ,,Home”, their own creation;
• Troupe ,,The Breakfast Club” – “Iurie Harmelin” City Theater Lyceum with the play ,,The Breakfast Club” by John Hughes, artistic director: Oleg Cotenco;
• The “Universal Sector” troupe – made up of young people registered individually with the play ,,Casa mare” by Ion Druță;
• The “Teatralis” troupe – “Elena Alistar” Theoretical High School with Arts Profile with the play “The bald singer” by Eugene Ionescu;
• The “Iurie Harmelin” troupe – “Iurie Harmelin” City Theater Lyceum with the play ,,История западнои окраины” by Arthur Laurent, artistic director: Eugen Anatolievici ;
• The “Alistar” troupe – “Elena Alistar” Theoretical High School with Arts Profile with the play ,,Star without a name” by Mihail Sebastian, artistic director: Angela Ciobanu;
• Teal Home Troupe – Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts with the play ,,Neliniște” by Ivan Viripapaiev, artistic director: Iulian Bubuioc;
• Rezon – “Spiru Haret” Theoretical High School with the play “A Stormy Night” by Ion Luca Caragiale;
• Berezovsky Theatre Troupe – “Mihail Berezovschi” Theoretical High School with Arts Profile with the play “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw, artistic director: Victor Triboi.

Each of the 11 participating troupes put their talent to the test, performing on stage with a show that reflects their vision and acting skills.

Some of the troupe members shared their impressions and emotions during the festival.

Nichita Guriuc, a member of the “Teatralis” troupe, told us that thanks to the rehearsals and the hard work put into the staging of the show, he felt confident in every action on stage. “We all worked together, which proves that teamwork is the key to success. We had a lot of rehearsals and a lot of hard work to present what you have seen today.”

Ilinca Munteanu, a member of the band “Alistar”, told us that the intense preparation process gave her greater confidence in her own abilities, overcoming her limits and transmitting emotion to the audience. It was a challenge for me to get into the role I played. I stepped out of my comfort zone and I am glad that through my character I was able to convey a deep and emotional message to the audience.”

Another young participant from ,,RE” told us that the experience of being on stage for the first time is a special moment, full of emotion and excitement, especially when you are supported by your peers and have the opportunity to show your talent. I really enjoyed performing here today, it’s my first experience on a theater stage. It was a little bit emotional at the beginning, but thanks to my colleagues everything went well. I am so glad that there is such an opportunity for theater lovers.”

The event was also attended by Mrs. Angela Cutasevici – Deputy Mayor of Chisinau Municipality. She noted that theater art plays a fundamental role in the education of young talents, “During the whole week dedicated to theater, there were several activities both team-building, as well as aspects of oratory and scenic art, which contribute to the development of talent and skills of young people.”

Throughout the festival, the audience witnessed some intense artistic moments and the jury’s decisions were not easy.

Among the spectators in the hall, we surprised Victoria Breahna and Ariana Bulbocean. The young girls came to support their colleagues and enjoy the energy of each performance.

Victoria was deeply impressed by the talent and dedication of the participants. “Each performance conveyed emotion and creativity, demonstrating that theater continues to inspire and evolve. It’s heartening to see so many young people passionate about the art of theater, and their work deserves all the appreciation.”

For her part, Ariana remarked on the authenticity and variety of performances at the festival. “The fact that 11 student troupes managed to bring so much emotion to the stage is absolutely fascinating. Each moment was unique, each performance had something special. The atmosphere was exceptional and the energy and talent of the young performers was truly captivating.”

A highlight of the event were the musical breaks with other young artists and performers. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the songs performed by Reghina Alexandrina – an artist, Ecaterina Crijanovschi – a member of Frimu Vocal Studio and the duet Lorrette x Dan Sierra.

The festival ended with the awarding of prizes to the winners, recognizing performance in artistic interpretation.

• First place: “Teatralis” troupe, cash prize of 25 000 lei;
• Second place: ,,Alistar” troupe, cash prize of 20 000 lei;
• Third place: ,,Teal Home” troupe, cash prize of 15 000 lei;
• Mention for the best male actor: Dănilă Demin, cash prize of 3000 lei;
• Mention for the best female actor: Cazacu Cristina, cash prize of 3000 lei.

A certificate of mention was awarded to the other troupes in appreciation of their performance and talent.

 

The Municipal Youth Theatre Festival “OSTENDE” continues to be an essential element in creating opportunities to promote theatrical art among young people, as well as stimulating professional and amateur artistic creation in the field of acting.