Cosmin Stănilă: on the magic of playwriting and the power of the collective!

At Reactor, we are joyfully counting down the days until the exciting premiere of Part 3. Solidarity on May 30th and 31st! This wonderful show beautifully wraps up "The Solidarity Trilogy", a fantastic directorial project by Petro Ionescu, which previously brought us the amazing Part 1. Love and Part 2. Power.

The talented Cosmin Stănilă worked as a dramaturg on Part 1, and now he has joined forces with the wonderful Selma Dragoș (the playwright of Part 2. Power) and Petro for this grand finale! Just a week ago, during a quick break from rehearsals (but not from the creative excitement!), Cosmin happily sat down with us to share his thoughts on this incredible journey.

How is everything going for you these days?

As I write this on May 13, 2025, just five days before the second round of the presidential elections, I must admit I'm spending way too much time on my phone, scrolling through social media and news feeds! I'm reading different opinions and navigating the fascinating reality that there are people just as passionate as I am, but with completely opposite views. I am trying to understand what fuels fascism and look into alternative, socially-conscious governance systems. It’s quite a puzzle, and sometimes I feel like any theory can be easily challenged, but I'm keeping at it while staying busy with work. Oh, and I'm complaining about the weather, of course! Summer is just two weeks away, so why am I still wearing a sweater?!

What was your experience like working on The Solidarity Trilogy?

Working on Love was absolute magic! It was my very first time doing stage dramaturgy and working within a devised process as a dramaturg. We did so much reading, truly learning about love beyond just romance, and I discovered so many beautiful things about myself and my own relationships. I honestly think it made my personal connections stronger! We searched deep within the creative team's personal experiences to bring it all to life.

Collaborating on Solidarity as a trio—Petro, Selma, and myself—was a wonderful brainstorm where we threw ideas around and tried our best to define solidarity, searching for the perfect theatrical forms to express it. What Selma and I wrote is more aligned with traditional playwriting; we each took an idea and developed it individually, always keeping our wonderful performers and the context in mind.

How do you feel the role of a stage dramaturg differs from that of a playwright?

Stage dramaturgy is such an exciting ride! It feels more adventurous because you never quite know what treasures you'll discover together with the cast—which is a thrilling surprise, even if it brings a few challenges. The writing process starts right there in rehearsals, so you definitely feel the buzz of the ticking clock, unlike when you're writing alone and the only people you have to negotiate with are yourself and the characters in your head!

How did you tackle the theme of solidarity in Part 3? Any fun surprises or realizations along the way?

Solidarity is actually much trickier to talk about than power and love! The first two are perhaps a bit easier to pinpoint. In my opinion, solidarity is the most elusive of the three, but it is also the most active and powerful because it wonderfully fosters a true sense of community!

What is your favorite takeaway from this project?

Some incredible history lessons and a much warmer, more sensitive perspective on the political landscapes that can challenge our solidarity.

What do you hope our wonderful audience takes away after watching Part 3. Solidarity?

A delicious, happy feeling! Like cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, a tasty eggplant salad, and a heart full of hope in our collective power!

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A cultural project co-funded by the National Cultural Fund Administration. The project does not necessarily represent the position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the program or how the results of the program may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.