The Iosif Vulcan troupe of the Regina Maria Theatre is preparing a new premiere: "Cancel_arie", by Mihaela Michailov, directed by Renate Teodora Cule and Ștefan Dogaru, two master's students of the Faculty of Theatre and Film of the Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. The premiere will take place on Saturday, October 17, at 7:00 PM, at the Transilvania Hall, and the next performance is scheduled for November 13. The show is co-produced with the Faculty of Theatre and Film of the Babeș-Bolyai University.

„"Cancel_arie" starts from the context of the presidential elections to explore how conflicts and divisions in the public space are reflected in the relationships between teachers, parents and students. Prejudices, power relations, the condition of teachers, fear induced by the system and the role of the media are some of the themes addressed by the show.

I believe that, as the society we live in becomes increasingly polarized, it is important to discuss the capacity and responsibility of schools to create a framework for political reflection for young people. At the same time, I believe it is necessary to be aware of the obstacles that schools may encounter in this mission, coming both from within and outside the education system, confesses Renata Teodora Cule, director.

The show is aimed especially at students and teachers, offering a starting point for dialogue and reflection on the themes addressed.

I think it's a super complex subject that, starting from a few relevant questions, such as: Do we do politics in schools? Why yes or why not? Is it necessary or unnecessary? Is it ethical? Is it dangerous? What does it mean to do politics in schools? Is it possible not to do politics in schools? Who are the most affected by the decisions made following the answers to these questions?, can open up numerous other directions of reflection, beyond those we thought about in the work process, declares Ștefan Dogaru, director.

The text is written by Mihaela Michailov, one of the important voices of contemporary Romanian dramaturgy, who addresses social and political themes in her texts, paying special attention to disadvantaged categories, problems of the education system and the phenomenon of migration. The play "Cancel_arie" was written especially for this co-production, following thorough documentation, starting from news, interviews, discussions.

The project is coordinated by Bobi Pricop, director and teacher at the Faculty of Theatre and Film of UBB, and by Mihai Gligan, PhD student in Theatre and Performing Arts at the same faculty. The collaboration with the Regina Maria Theatre offers the young master's students, students and recent graduates who are part of the project the opportunity to work in a professional theatre, alongside experienced actors. Through this initiative, the Regina Maria Theatre continues its mission to support new generations of creators and to offer them contexts for artistic affirmation.

The two young masters who direct, Renata Teodora Cule and Ștefan Dogaru, are already outlining their own directions of artistic exploration. Renata develops her practice at the intersection of performing arts, research and activism, with a particular interest in social and political issues, atypical female characters and the representation of minorities in art. Ștefan Dogaru, an actor with experience on the stages of important theaters in Romania, is interested in both popular theater and experimental formulas of stage expression.

The artistic team includes assistant directors Patricia Ile and Ștefan Mihai, set designer Oana Cernea, as well as Duncan McKee and Mara Solomon, responsible for music and sound design.

The cast includes young master's students and graduates of the Faculty of Theatre and Film in Cluj-Napoca: Maria Elena Morar, Victor Muntean, David Constantinescu, Maialgesa Dat, Alexandra-Ioana Harapu, Cristiana Bândilă, Duncan McKee and Mara Solomon. They are joined by the actors of the Regina Maria Theatre Georgia Căprărin, David Constantinescu, Ciprian Ciuciu, Mirela Niță Lupu, Anca Sigmirean, Lucia Rogoz, Anda Tămășanu and Petre Ghimbașan.

Tickets for the two performances can be purchased from the theater agency (Piața Regele Ferdinand I, no. 6) and online on the Regina Maria Theater website and on the Poftim Cultură ticketing platform.

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Distribution:

Philosophy teacher: Maria Elena Morar
Math Teacher, Student: Victor Muntean
History teacher: David Constantinescu
Romanian Teacher, Maid 3, Philosophy Teacher Aunt: Georgia Căprărin
Physics Teacher, Student: Maialgesa Dat
Professor of religion, Journalist 1, Uncle professor of philosophy: Ciprian Ciuciu
English Teacher, Journalist 2, Student: Alexandra-Ioana Harapu
Sports teacher, Journalist 3, Philosophy teacher's sister/brother, Student: Cristiana Bândilă/Duncan McKee
Maid 1, Philosophy Professor's Mother: Mirela Niță Lupu
The Maid 2, Cristina Atanasiu: Anca Sigmirean
Maid 4, Student: Mara Solomon
Director: Anda Tămășanu/Lucia Rogoz
Inspector, Father of Philosophy Professor: Petre Ghimbasan

Directed by: Renata Teodora Cule & Ștefan Dogaru
Assistant director: Patri Ile & Ștefan Mihai
Scenography: Oana Cernea
Music and sound design: Duncan McKee & Mara Solomon

Project coordinators: Bobi Pricop & Mihai Gligan

Premiere date: October 7, 2026, Transilvania Hall
The show is recommended for people over 14 years old!

*show made in co-production with the Faculty of Theatre and Film of Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca