The “I.L. Caragiale” National Theater in Bucharest announces a new premiere as part of the 9G Program at NTB, dedicated to young independent artists: “Yen” by Anna Jordan, directed by Ciprian Chiricheș, with set design by Maria Constantin, and starring Teodora Antal, Diana Pomparău, Sevi Stan, and Mario Monțescu. The premiere will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the Sala Mică Hall The play Yen tells the story—at times brutal, at times deeply tender—of two brothers surviving almost entirely on their own in a suburb, with a mother unable to provide them with the care a child needs. Together, amid arguments and violence, the two teenagers try to discover what affection—and first love—feels like and how to express it, in the absence of a parental role model. Thus, first love becomes a tough test, full of innocence and missteps. How much of our social skills are innate, and how much are acquired through our environment and the education we receive? It is a long-debated dilemma that remains relevant today, which author Anna Jordan explores with harshness and directness, yet with care and sensitivity toward her characters. Yen is about growing up, about family, and, above all, about the fundamental human need to love and be loved. „What won me over from the very first reading was the sincerity with which life—and, in particular, hope—is portrayed. In real life, things aren’t like in fairy tales, where Prince Charming appears out of nowhere and sets everything right. In reality, we often long for something we cannot have, and then that feeling becomes even stronger; this sentiment is very well conveyed by the author.  The production that we put together with the team is based on desire and hope. I hope it’s contagious and that the audience leaves, just as I like to leave the theater—changed, pensive, with my thoughts on my loved ones.” Ciprian Chiricheș, the director of the production Anna Jordan is a renowned British playwright, director, and screenwriter. She graduated from the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) with a degree in acting and is a professor of acting. For her play “Yen,” she won the prestigious Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting (2013) Cast: Sevastian Stan, Mario Monțescu, Teodora Antal, Diana Pomparău. Regie Ciprian Chiricheș, set design Maria Constantin, sound design Teodor Zamfir and llighting design Cristian Ciopată. This performance is not recommended for children under 14.   Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu 

From April 16 to May 18, 2026, the “I.L. Caragiale” National Theater in Bucharest, through the “Ion Sava” Center for Theater Research and Creation, is organizing a workshop on cultural project writing—Idea. Project. Funding. — led by Associate Professor Oana Borș, Ph.D. The workshop covers the stages of implementing a cultural project, in accordance with project management standards and in line with the requirements of a funding application. The workshop includes a theoretical component as well as a practical simulation. The workshop is intended for students and graduates in the field of performing arts. The maximum number of participants is 10. Selection will be based on a CV and a letter of intent sent to centrulsavatnb@gmail.com by April 14, 2026. The workshop will take place at the NTB headquarters, consisting of 8 two-hour sessions, according to the following schedule: Session 1 / April 16 at 11:00 a.m.What is a cultural strategy, what is a cultural program, what is a cultural projectContext and contextuality. Market analysis Session 2 / April 23 at 11:00 a.m.Project Purpose. General Objectives. Specific Objectives.Categories of stakeholders (target audience, direct beneficiaries, indirect beneficiaries) Session 3 / April 24 at 11:00 a.m.Project planning. Project outcomes. Promotion and dissemination. Session 4 / April 30 at 11:00 a.m.Risk management. Assessment. Sustainability. Budget. Session 5 / May 7 at 11:00 a.m.Practical exercise / developing (simulating) a cultural project Session 6 / May 11 at 11:00 a.m.Practical exercise / developing (simulating) a cultural project Session 7 / May 14 at 11:00 a.m.Practical exercise / developing (simulating) a cultural project Session 8 / May 18 at 11:00 a.m.Practical exercise / developing (simulating) a cultural project         Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu 

April 27–30, 2026 From March 3 to 6, 2026, the “Ion Sava” Center for Theater Research and Creation hosted the BodyTalks Workshop, led by choreographer and dancer Judith State. Given the success of the working method and the enthusiasm shown by the participants, the workshop will continue with a second phase from April 27 to 30, 2026. The workshop is designed for both professional dancers and theater and film actors. With a progressive structure, the workshop will include technical exercises and short movement sequences that combine vertical and floor work with playful relaxation exercises, incorporating breathing techniques and improvisation. The workshop encourages participants’ free expression and creative potential, helping them break free from stereotypes and discover their own language of expression through movement. It also proposes exploring organic ways to combine bodily movement with the voice and attempting to bring them together, so that their alternation, simultaneity, and complementarity occur as naturally as possible. The workshop is open to actors and staff members of the National Theater. Those interested are asked to send an email to centrulsavatnb@gmail.com with the subject line “Registration for Judith State Workshop” by April 24, 2026. Important: Participants are encouraged to wear knee pads. Photo credit: Alex Conu Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu