The fourth edition of the Playwriting Workshop led by actor and writer Mimi Brănescu will conclude with a series of staged readings presented between June 2 and 6, 2026, at the Media Hall of the National Theater of Bucharest. Conceived by Mimi Brănescu with the support of the National Theater of Bucharest (TNB), the project reflects, with each edition, the Bucharest National Theater’s ongoing commitment to supporting the new generation of playwrights and fostering their artistic debuts on a professional theater stage. Mimi Brănescu is the author of several plays that have been staged and well-received on numerous stages across Romania, including “Acasă la tata,” “Dumnezeul de a doua zi,” “Genul acuzativ,” “Ultimii,” and “Family.exe.” Her artistic experience provided workshop participants with access to an authentic and professional perspective on playwriting and the relationship between text and stage. NTB offers young, emerging playwrights the opportunity to have their first direct encounter with professional actors and the audience. The plays to be presented are: “No Signal” by Diana Amitroaie,  “Under Review…” by Ana Avram, “We’ll Talk Later” by Andrei Barbu, “Fame and Other Addictions” by Anamaria Codiță, “Blood of Your Blood” by Valeriu Ilisie, “By the Sea” by Denis Imbrescu, “In the Lead Role, Nora” by Serin Jemaa, “Black-Hearted Ace” by Laurențiu Lungu, “Semolina with Milk” by Alexia Matei, “The Taxi Cab Theory” by Ioana Niculae, “Hooked” by Aurora Păunescu. Admission to this series of reading performances is free and requires registration via bilet.ro The project coordinator, Mimi Brănescu, shared a few words with us about the fourth edition of the workshop, the texts produced as a result, and the meeting with the young authors: “These texts fall somewhere between ‘I’ve never written anything’ and ‘this is my first important piece.’ They should be viewed as bold attempts. If writing, let’s say, were a four-year course, here you have access to the exam at the end of the first year. My big request would be to try to see not only what is missing—there is a lot missing for these to be great texts—but also what they and their authors might become. Because, in my opinion, you can glimpse a potential author in enough of these fragments.”  You will witness the outcome of an amateur playwright’s pro bono endeavor—an honest attempt to share with others the few things he has discovered about writing, through the act of writing itself. For those among them who choose to take it further, however, meeting with me will not be enough. I hereby invite those who can do more not to sit idly by. They need encouragement, money, any kind of support. Stand by them, and perhaps in this way, your children and grandchildren will add to the high school curriculum authors whom you yourselves have nurtured. The criteria by which I selected them were: that they had never written for the theater before and had never participated in another writing workshop. And whatever else I asked them there, as far as my mind and good faith would take me. Because I’m no Garabet Ibrăileanu or Titu Maiorescu myself. It’s common knowledge what I’m like, or it’s easy to find out, since I haven’t kept it a secret. I thank the National Theater for the generosity with which it hosted us again this year. Finally, I’d like to note here, in small print, that this group, the fourth, was the last one I mentored. I invite others to do the same.” The National Theatre of Bucharest will publish the 11 plays resulting from the fourth edition of the workshop coordinated by Mimi Brănescu, offering both theatre professionals and the general public access to dramatic works that emphasize authenticity, direct observation, and the desire of emerging playwrights to transform personal experiences and current themes into theatrical material. Schedule of the reading performances, NTB Media Hall, June 2–6, 2026: June 2nd 11 am: Under review... by Ana Avram 1 pm: Black Heart Ace by Laurențiu Lungu June 3rd 11 am: Fame and Other Addictions by Anamaria Codiță  1 pm: Milk semolina by Alexia Matei June 4th 11 am: Blood of your blood by Valeriu Ilisie 1 pm: Hooked by Aurora Păunescu June 5th 11 am: Out of range by Diana Amitroaie 1 mm: We'll talk after by Andrei Barbu June 6th 11 am: In the lead role, Nora by Serin Jemaa 1 mm: By the Sea by Denis Imbrescu 3 pm: The Taxi Cab Theory by Ioana Niculae   Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu 

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 

Starting May 25, 2026, the “I.L. Caragiale” National Theater in Bucharest is launching TNB Activ, its official WhatsApp channel for theatergoers. TNB Activ is a direct information channel through which the public receives quick updates on premieres, performances, and tours; stays up to date in real time on tickets going on sale and special events; and learns everything about upcoming projects and meet-and-greets with their favorite artists. This makes communication simpler, more personal, and more efficient—only relevant information, delivered directly to the audience’s phones. By launching this channel, TNB aims to be closer to its community and provide quick access to everything happening on the theater’s stages. Subscription is free, and viewers can unsubscribe at any time. TNB Activ – information reaches viewers directly from the stage. Subscription link: TNB Activ   Or QR code below                                     Translated by Andreea Codrea-Boeriu