Short history of The Iasi “Luceafarul” Theatre
in data and events

1949 – Iulia and Iosif Ligeti work hard to stage the first puppet show, “The Golden Fish” after A.S. Pushkin, at the begining with a private company, later on that with state support.

1-st March 1950 – It is founded, by The Provisional Commitee of the Urban Commune of Iasi, The Puppet Theatre, having 10 employees, Iulia Ligeti as general manager and Iosif Ligeti as stage director.

May 1950 – The theatre receives as seat the “Dacia” hall, an old cinema hall, in the courtyard of the Catholic Church, where the theatre will carry on his activity till 1977.

1952 – The leadership of the institution is taken by Manole Al. Foca, ex-professor at the Conservatoire in Iasi and stage director at the National Theatre. He is interested in training a professional company, which had as components for several years Lucretia Carausu, Elena Brehnescu, Emil Petcu, Constantin Brehnescu, Petre and Emilia Valter, George Zaharia, Ion and Simona Agachi, Nicolae Brehnescu, Eliza Florescu.

1956 – The Puppet Theatre obtains its first great success at the Regional Puppet Theatre’s Week in Bucureati: 6 prizes awarded to “Tupence in a Pouch” by Ion Creanga, directed by Manole Al. Foca, scenery by Viorica Groapa, puppets by Rodica Scraba, music by C. Constantinescu. The most important distinctions are the Prize for the best performance and the First Prize obtained by Constantin Brehnescu for his interpretation in the Rooster’s part.

1958 – Petre Valter works out the first performance for adults, “The Puppets’ Stage”, which reveals the puppeteers’ interest in the extension of the stage devices scale.

1963 – Marieta Dumitriu becomes the general manager of the theatre, a teacher of Romanian literature and language; she leads the institution till 1968. Manole Foca remains only stage director till 1965, when he retires.

1968 – As a result of Manole Foca’s efforts to prepare new stage directors for the puppet theatre, Constantin Brehnescu’s stage-set “Chirita at the Puppets” by Vasile Alecsandri is a great succes which brings the director a very important Prize at the Puppet Theatre’s Week in Constanta and marks his final passing to the puppet staging, profession he serves continously for almost 50 years. The greates improvement of the performance is the actors’ acting in front of the curtain.

1969 – Manole Foca becomes again the leader of the institution.

1972 - Manole Foca retires for good and the leadership of the theatre is taken by Natalia Danaila.

1973 – As an effect of the extension of the repertory area and of the stage devices scale through the animation theatre, in which the actor combines puppets with acting, music, dance and pantomime, the name of the theatre changes into Theatre for Children and Youth. The composition of the troupe changes too, some of actors belonging to the old generation being replaced by younger ones. Till the ’80s the company has the following composition: Simona and Ion Agachi, Nicolae Brehnescu, Constantin Ciofu, Ortansa Stanescu, Constantin Amuntencei, Camelia Bujdei-Poenaru, Cristina Anca Ciubotaru, Liviu Smantanica, Doina Iarcuczewicz, Nina Dimitriu, Mircea Sava, Emilia Prajinaru.

1973 - Begins the abroad tours series, the first one being “The Dew Drop Green Frog” by Al. T. Popescu, a one-woman-show of the actress Simona Agachi. The show is first presented at a Festival in Hungary, at Bekescsaba, then in Yugoslavia, at Zagreb, where the actress obtaines an honourable Prize for the Interpretation of the 11 parts of the performance.
- The european course of Iasi’s puppet performances continues with the participation of “Tuppence in a Pouch” by Ion Creanga, a new version by Constantin Brehnescu, and of “Hercule in Pursuit of the Golden Apples” by Valentin Silvestru, directed by Petre Bokor, scenery by Cik Damadian, at the festival organized by the journal “L’Unita” in Venice-Italy.

1975 – The stage director Constantin Brehnescu produces in Damasc, the show “Invitation to Fun” after the poems of Taisar Hilal Edine, show with which a similar theatre is opened there.
- Axenti Marfa becomes the scene painter of the Theatre for Children and Youth.

1976 – The performance “Bing-Bang-Bing” by Dumitru Vacariu (directed by Constantin Brehnescu, scenery by Axenti Marfa) receives at the National Festival of Theatre for Children and Youth in Piatra Neamt the Prize for the Best Show for children and the actress Camelia Bujdei-Poenaru the Prize for the Best Acting in a role for children.
- The same play is performed in Germany, and also in a long tour together with “Tuppence in a Pouch” in cities from India, Pakistan, Iran, Jordania.
- “Snow White” after Grimm Brothers (directed by Constantin Brehnescu, scenery by Hristofenia Cazacu) takes part in the International Festival in Charleville-Mézières-France and also in Esslingen and Bremen-Germany.

1977 – Because of the building’s damage by an earthquake, for the next ten years the theatre seat comes to be the Youth House. Approximatively in the same period rises the idea of the necessity of a new building.
- The performance “Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi (stage-directing Constantin Brehnescu) brings to Axenti Marfa the Prize for the scenery at the National Festival of Theatre for Children and Youth in Piatra Neamt.

1979 – “Fram, the Polar Bear” after Cezar Petrescu (directed by Constantin Brehnescu, scenery by Axenti Marfa) is presented at the International Festival in Mistelbach-Austria, where the theatre participates at other editions too, till the ’90s.

1982 - The same play is performed in Bruxelles-Belgium and “The Curious Little Elephant” by Nina Cassian (stage director and scenery painter Constantin Brehnescu) travels to Charleville-Mézières-France.

1983 - “Mary Poppins” after Pamela Travers (directed by Natalia Danaila, scenery by Axenti Marfa) obtains the ATM Prize for the Best Performance for children at the Piatra Neamt Festival.

1985 – Cristina Anca Ciubotaru receives the ATM Prize for the Best Role in a performance for children, “The Prince and the Pauper” after Mark Twain, at the same Festival.

1987 – “The Toy Shop” by Al. T. Popescu (directed by Natalia Danaila, scenery by Axenti Marfa) is performed in Rodez-France.

28-th December 1987 – The new theatre building is inaugurated and its name becomes “Luceafarul”. The building is extremely modern, and has two performance halls – the largest having 450 seats, the smallest 150 seats, large lobbies and production workshops. The troupe’s composition changes again being enriched with young puppeteers: Toma Hogea, Liliana Mavris, Viorel Varlan, Gigi Sfaiter.

1988 – “Tuppence in a Pouch” by Ion Creanga, another new version by Constantin Brehnescu, scenery by Axenti Marfa, obtaines at the Puppeteers Recital Gala in Botosani a Special Prize for Interpretation. The two rewarded actors are Doina Iarcuczewicz and Viorel Varlan.

1990 – As a result of the revolutionary movements, the poet Nichita Danilov becomes for one and a half season general manager.

1991 - “The Sleeping Beauty” after Charles Perrault (directed by Natalia Danaila, scenery Mioara Buescu) is performed at the Mistelbach-Austria Festival. One year later, at the same festival goes “Ala-Bala” by Natalia Danaila, and in 1993, the last edition for the Iasi theatre, “The Golden Fish”, staged by Constantin Brehnescu, is performed in Mistelbach.
- Natalia Danaila comes again for almost a year at the leadership of the theatre.

1992 – General manager is the retired actor of the National Theatre, George Macovei. Under his leadership the theatre is isolated from the national puppeteer movement and the theatre critics.

1994 – After the contest organised by the Inspectorate for Culture of the County, the position of general manager is gained by Mircea Radu Iacoban.

1995 - The “Luceafarul” Theatre organizes the first edition of the Young Directors Reunion, where his “Duty’s Victims” by Eugen Ionescu (directed by Cezarina Udrescu) obtaines an ex-aequo Second Prize.

1996 – Together with the Ministry of Culture and the National Theatre, the “Luceafarul” co-organises in Iasi the National Theatre Festival “I.L. Caragiale”.
- “On Pinocchio’s Anniversary” made by Constantin Brehnescu wins at the “Gulliver” Festival in Galati a Special Prize of the Jury and “The Perfect Princess”, based on a story by George Calinescu, staged by Bogdan Ulmu, is also rewarded with the Special Prize of the Jury at the Short Comique Theatre Festival in Buzau.

1997 – “The Golden Fish” (staged by Constantin Brehnescu) obtains at the Pupeteer Recitals Gala in Botosani a Special Prize and “The Perfect Princess“ a Special Prize for repertorial option at the “Gulliver” Festival in Galati.

1998 – After an international isolation during several years, the “Luceafarul” Theatre succeds to perform abroad again, participating at the Days of the Iasi Culture in USA, a program organised by the Inspectorate of Culture of the County. “Tuppence in a pouch” (directed by Constantin Brehnescu, scenery by Axenti Marfa) is presented at the Romanian Ambassy and The Child Museum in Washington, as well as at the Romanian Cultural Center and at the Community School District 29 Queens-New York.

1999 – “Tuppence in a Pouch” and “On Pinocchio’s Anniversary” participate at the 181-st edition of the traditional carnival in Spoleto-Italy.
2000 – “Luceafarul” Theatre celebrates his 50-st anniversary.
– “Pacala” was awarded with a Special Prize at the “Ion Creanga” Festival in Bacau for turning to good our popular traditions

2001 - At the National Theatre Festival “I.L. Caragiale” in Bucuresti the book “Luceafarul 50 – an evenimential history” by Oltita Cantec receives a Special Prize for Theatre Book.

2003 – Under the title “Five Romanian Plays. Smallseason in Bucharest“, the Theatre performs in Bucharest (7-9/th May) for youngs “This Nights Nobody Wins“ by Mircea Radu Iacoban, “D for Bad Behaviour“, musical by Octavian Sava and Marius Ţeicu, and also the performances for children “The Ice Palace“ after an idea by H.C. Andersen, “A Ray of Sun“ by Al.T. Popescu, “Childhood Memories“ after Ion Creangă (adapted by Ştefan Oprea), played at Odeon, Comedy, Ţăndărică and “Ion Creangă" Theatres.
     – “The Ice Palace“ is ex aequo awarded with The Best Price, at the “Gulliver“ Puppet Festival  Galaţi.
     – Doina Iarcuczewicz obtains, at the Puppeteers Recitals Gala Botoşani, The Prize for best interpretation ( “Muff Mouse” in “A Ray of Sun” by Al.T. Popescu).

2005 – At the “Gulliver“ Puppet Festival Galaţi, “A Ray of Sun” by Al.T. Popescu is awarded with The Prize for Best Show, and Doina Iarcuczewicz with Prize for Best Female Acting.

2006 – The building’s foayer is opened as new theatre space, Workshop, where “When the Time is Timing“ by M.R. Iacoban is premiered.

1. In March “The Ice Palace“ participates to the Romanian Cultural Days, in Lille-France.
2. After public contests, the head management of the Theatre is taken by Ioan Holban, general manager, and Oltiţa Cîntec, artistic manager.

     – dramatIS – for the first time in Iaşi, in November, the theatre critic Oltiţa Cîntec launches a series of public readings with plays written by young writers from Iasi. The first one was “Ground Floor Wedding “ by Dan Lungu; the project continued in 2007 with new play readings (“Pink Elefants, Yellow Elefants and Humans “ by Lucian Dan Teodorovici, “The Life and Death of a Regionals Funerals Benneficiar“ by Cătălin Mihuleac and “Yey of the Street“ by Florin Lăzărescu). dramatIS has developped (December) with a Workshop for playwriting, for students.  Other public readings took place: “Blood, Sex, Scandal, Press“ by Călin Ciobotari, “What ever you say, Johhny!“ by Valentin Lazăr and “Still-life with overweight nephew“ by Ion Sapdaru.

1. “The Goat with Three Cubs“ after Ion Creangă and “The Old Womens Daughter and Old Mans Daughter“ after Ion Creangă are selected to participate to the International Theatre Festival “Gulliver“ Galaţi. For the last one, the scene director Constantin Brehnescu won the Best Prize for Directing and Doina Iarcuczewicz, The Best Prize for Female Interpretation.  
2. “The Goat with Three Cubs“ after Ion Creangă participates to Cluj Napoca International “Puck“  Puppets Theatre Festival.

2007 – On the Underground Stage (in Imperium and Black-Out clubs) the S Sector by Emanuel Pîrvu is presented, a show for young people. In May, the performance is invited to the Underground and Chamber Theatre Festival Arad.

1. “SnowWhite“ after the Grimm Brothers, scene director Ion Ciubotaru, participates to the “100, 1000, 1 000 000 Stories” International Festival organised by “Ion Creangă” Theatre Bucharest.
2. Others Festival:  “Gulliver” International Theatre Festival Galaţi - “The Charmed Little Pig“ after Ion Creangă; Liliana Mavriş Vîrlan obtains ab Honourable Mention for Acting;   “The Puppet from Podolia” Festival Vinniţa Ukraine (“The Golden Fish“ after A.S. Puşkin, Second Prize); "The Golden Sturgeon" Volgograd Russia (“A Ray of Sun“ by Al. T. Popescu, Doina Iarcuczewicz obtains a Prize for Acting, and Toma Hogea, The Prize for Scene Directing).
3. Under the title "Le prince ensorcelé", the version “The Charmed Little Pig“ after Ion Creangă, was itinerate to Lille-France, at the Made in Romania Event, organised  to promote the national culture.

         – Longlife Performances, this is the generic of the DVD “The Two Pennies Purse after Ion Creangă; this one has been presented at 1st of March, the day of the storytellers birth, and it was ment to draw attention on a rare fact: this show is performed in the same version for over 20 years (scene director Constantin Brehnescu, scenery Axenti Marfa, cast Doina Iarcuczewicz and Viorel Vîrlan).
        – The founding performance was the generic title of an other DVD, “The Golden Fish“ after A.S. Puşkin, staged by Constantin Brehnescu; the beautiful story of the fish that has the power to tranforms three wishes into reality was the very first title marketed by the Theatre (1949-1950 season). The intent is to always have in the repertory a version of the story as a memento of the dawns of the institution.
         – First edition of the “Hai la teatru!” Festival for the troups from schools and high-schools of the Iasi County (March 20-21, dedicated to the International Day of the Animation and Puppet; 36 school troups from the city and the region took part, over 450 pupils and teachers involved in artistical creation).
         – 5th December “Luceafărul“ Day – 20 years from the Buildings’  inauguration was the occasion for a theatrical marathon that meant to show the artistic identity of the Iasi Luceafarul Theatre for Children and Youth.

2008 - Second edition of the “Hai la teatru!” Festival for the troups from the schools and high-schools of the Iaşi County.

1. “A Ray of Sun“ by Al. T. Popescu at World Puppet Festival Prague won The Prize for the Most Delightful Performance.

     – For the first time Iasi hosts the Festivalul Internaţional de Teatru pentru Copii şi Tineret (FITCT)- International Festival for Children and Young People Festival, designed and implemented by “Luceafărul“ Theatre. Participants – 16 companies from 8 countries (Cyprus, Switzerland, France, Indonesia, Russia, Spain, USA, Romania - Bucharest, Cluj Napoca, Galaţi, Sibiu, Tg Mureş, Botoşani, Iaşi) aprox 150 artists and technicians, audience – aprox 6500 spectators to the 21 shows; statistics: the degree in which the halls were occupied – small hall (150 places) – 100 %,  - big hall (450 places) – 97 %.
     – At Puck International Puppet Theatre in Cluj Napoca, “The Old Womans Daughter and Old Mans Daughter“ after Ion Creangă obtained the Prize for Best Adaption – Constantin Brehnescu.
     – At “Joys for Kids. Collection Performances” International Theatre Festival Bucharest, "The Gready Witch" by Dan Lungu is awarded with the Prize for Promoting the New Playwriting for Childrens.

2009 – Festivals in Romania:  - “Puck” Cluj Napoca International Festival and “Gulliver” Galaţi International Festival with “The Gready Witch“ by Dan Lungu; “Joys for Kids. Collection Performances” International Festival Bucharest with “The Two Pennies Purse after Ion Creangă.
         Abroad – “Lille 3000 Europe XXL” Lille France International Festival, with “The Ice Palace“, big cultural event dedicated to the Eastern countries; “The Puppet from Podolia” Festival Vinniţa Ukraine with “A Ray of Sun“ by Al. T. Popescu; World Puppet Art Festival Prague with ˝The Tempest˝ after Shakespeare and “The Two Pennies Purse after Ion Creangă; Puppets, Karagoz and Shadow International Festival Bursa-Turkye with ““The Two Pennies Purse after Ion Creangă.
     Awards: Prize for the Best Scene Image for “The Tempest“ after Shakespeare, in Prague; Prize for Continuity in Puppetry Art for “The Two Pennies Purse after Ion Creangă Ion Creangă, also in Prague; Third Prize for “A Ray of Sun“ Vinniţa-Ukraine; Prize for Virtuosity in Puppetry for Doina Iarcuczewicz and Viorel Vîrlan in “The Two Pennies Purse after Ion Creangă, and Prize for Cultural Management for Oltiţa Cîntec, in the “Joys for Kids. Collection Performances” International Festival Bucharest.
     – International Festival for Children and Young People Festival (FITCT),  second edition has taken place, (October 4-9), with 14 companies from Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine, Chile, Brasil, Romania (Cluj Napoca, Bucharest, Tg Mureş, Timişoara, Sibiu, Tîrgoviste, Galaţi, Iaşi).

2010 – Third edition of the “Hai la teatru!” Festival for troups from the schools and high-schools in the Iasi County.
     – In Prague, to The World Festival of Puppet Art, “The Adventures of the Munchausen Baron“ retold by Ion Sapdaru, brings The Prize for Best Male Acting to Liviu Smîntînică. “Luceafărul“ had represented Romania to this Festival, supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute from Bucharest. Another performance, “The Gready Witch“ by Dan Lungu, being also selected and performed. Ioan Holban won the Special Prize for Support and Cooperation.
     – “The Two Pennies Purse¨ after Ion Creangă represents Romania at Eukitea BlackSea Theatre Festival "6+1" in Germany (Diedorf Augsburg), the events’ schedule added companies from countries that have direct connection with the Black Sea (Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkye, Ukraine).
     – Third edition of the International Festival for Children and Young People Festival (FITCT),  (October 3-8), with companies from  France, Italy, Germany, Poland and România (Teatrul Odeon, Teatrul Ţăndărică Bucureşti, Teatrul "Gulliver" Galaţi, Teatrul "Puck" Cluj Napoca, Teatrul  "Luceafărul").
     – “The Bear Tricked by the Fox“ after Ion Creanga is selected to participate at “Puck” Cluj Napoca International Festival.
     – “The Tempest“ after  W. Shakespeare won at “Gulliver” Galaţi International Festival The Prize for Scenography (Daniela Dragulescu)
     – At “Joys for Kids. Collection Performances” International Theatre Festival Bucharest, “The Charmed Little Pig“  after Ion Creangă is awarded with the Prize for the Very Best Quality of Ion Creanga’s Creations.

2011 – Fourth edition of the “Hai la teatru!” Festival for troups from the schools and high-schools in the Iasi County.
     – “The Bear Tricked by the Fox“ after Ion Creanga participates at “The Puppet from Podolia” Festival Vinniţa Ukraine and won The Prize for the Best Companie.
     – In Prague, to The World Festival of Puppet Art, “Jungle Book“ won The Audience’s Trophy and a special Prize for Scene Directing (Oana Leahu).