Historical drama in four acts by Ion Omescu

Artistic director: Ion Deloreanu
Scenography: Tatiana Manolescu Uleu
Premiere date: November 12, 1967

A metaphorical play, of a romantic-patriotic nature, "The Winter Age" introduces us behind the scenes of political life at the court of "a nameless lord, from an era without brilliance" (Ion Omescu). The generic central character and the vague historical moment (probably sometime in the era preceding the Phanariot reigns) serve the author's interest in avoiding museum reconstruction in favor of an authentic drama. The glory years of the great rulers have passed; the enemies surrounding the country are too many and too powerful. Under these conditions, only negotiations and diplomacy can save the country. Steadfast, prudent, circumspect in actions, aware of his role in the development of national and European culture, the Lord becomes a symbol. He sums up the traits of many patriotic rulers who defended the integrity of the borders and the national being. Metaphorically speaking, he becomes "the vine that covers the vineyard, takes it out of winter... protects it from the cold." The end of the play does not bring resolution to the conflict: the representatives of foreign powers continue to assault the throne, and the blizzard blows: winter is not over.

Distribution:

Mr:  George Musceleanu
Radu, his son:  Nicolae Barosan
The speaker:  Nicholas Thomas
Scarlet:  Ion Tomorrow
Mihu:  Ion Martin, Ion Abrudan
The speaker Toma:  George Pintilescu
The confessor:  Jean Sandulescu
The king's soil:  Ben Dumitrescu
Neacsu:  Valentin Avrigeanu
Iordache:  John the Baptist
Pasha of Silistra:  Octavian Uleu
Five Agassi:  Eugen Tugulea
Joseph:   Marcel Segărceanu
The merchant:  Constantin Simionescu
Lady:  Simona Constantinescu
Anna:  Gina Nicolae
Rock:  Ana Popa

Technical director: Elena Varlam
Prompter: Sofica Spoiala
Sound: Dorel Olea