March is an exciting month for us, marking not only the anniversary of our beloved Reactor space but also World Theatre Day! In our 9th year of creative adventures, we wanted to check in with the four wonderful minds on our administrative board who design and coordinate the magic of Reactor projects. So, we sat down for a cozy chat to see how they are feeling, what dreams they've had, and where they stand with theatre today. We asked two big questions, and received four wonderfully honest, heartfelt answers from Alexa Băcanu, Petro Ionescu, Oana Mardare, and Doru Taloș.

Happy Birthday, Reactor! Happy World Theatre Day! Cheers to 9 amazing years!

How did you imagine Reactor would look like after 9 years? What was the dream version you hoped to reach when this project first started—or when you joined? And how has that dream evolved over time?

Oana Mardare: In the beginning, I didn't think too far into the future. I had just one single thought on the very night before our grand opening: "We are going to start this, and we are never going to stop." I had this thrilling feeling that we were stepping onto an important path that would shape our lives forever, playing our biggest card—that this was it! The rest was a bit of a mystery, as the next steps weren't clear yet. I felt our future would be shaped by the wonderful encounters and experiences we'd share with all the new people we hadn't even met yet when we opened, who ended up gathering around our space (back then, I really only knew Doru). And that came beautifully true! Those initial encounters and early experiences completely shaped our path today. I think things were built "step by step," just as Lucia wrote for us in a stencil in the courtyard.

I believe we worked for years with very little certainty. Year by year, step by step. And while that "never going to stop" attitude eventually led us to battle overproduction, heavy workloads, and burnout, things have thankfully found a lovely balance over time. I only started to envision a dream version about 3 years ago, during the pandemic. Surviving that challenging time made me realize that our fragile working structure is actually much stronger than we thought! For me, the ultimate dream version of Reactor is a vibrant collective that sustains the space and is sustained by it, working happily without self-exploitation, enjoying the breathing room around work, and finding joy in creating together.

Alexa Băcanu: I never could have imagined it, to be honest! I still can't believe nine years have flown by and here we are, still going strong and still together. Instead, I used to imagine what Reactor would be like in 50 years, when it might exist only in history books (or who knows?). Recently, I've started to feel that this beautiful story of an independent Cluj space that nurtured artists, experimented with new theatrical methods, and built a warm community around it will definitely have a special place in the history of Romanian theatre. I think future theatre students will look back at us with envy, just as I used to envy other artistic groups from the past. My intuition tells me we will leave a lasting legacy here, and honestly, what more could you wish for?

Our dream version of Reactor was actually our reality when we started: a wonderful place where ideas could turn into reality without endless negotiations and red tape, working with a flat hierarchy and strong ethical principles, constantly seeking growth on every level. Over time, I think the dream version evolved to include stability and breathing room. Sometimes I feel like I've been holding my breath this entire time, going from project to project, from budget report to budget report, from one hurdle to the next. I've realized this is a marathon, not a sprint—a big step forward towards stability, I would say!

Doru Taloș: I don't think I had a crystal-clear image of the future 9 years ago. I remember my first thoughts were all about sustainability and survival. We were thinking short-term—about the next year, the next 6 months, the next 3 months. A dream vision of the future bloomed over time, shaped by the incredible people who rolled up their sleeves to build this place, and that happened more than once! We are constantly imagining new possible futures in dialogue with the people around us and in relation to who we are today. I feel we've never stood still; we have always sought to improve our space, our workflow, our production systems, and our rehearsal and performance spaces. That’s something I wanted back then, and I still want it today: to never stop exploring, to honestly and directly question our work, always, no matter how challenging it might be at times.

Petro Ionescu: I wasn't part of the Reactor team right from the start—missing that legendary 24-hour non-stop opening celebration filled with performances and activities—and in a way, I always wished I had been there. In 2015, when I returned to Cluj, I was longing for a creative home, and Reactor had amazing potential to become that place for me, though I was almost afraid to get my hopes up too high. The optimistic, dream version was one where a group of passionate artists would form a community strong enough to create bold, meaningful theatre for the world around them, making a wonderful and fulfilling living out of it. Along the way, things shifted and the balance between meaning, resources, and theatre wobbled a bit, but there have been so many moments of pure wonder where I thought, "Wow, I can't believe we made it this far! It's more than I ever dreamed of." Today, I wish for that same balance. Even though the pure, wild energy of 8 or 9 years ago is hard to recreate, I sometimes miss that early momentum when we had more uncertainty and a touch of blissful recklessness. Without them, we wouldn't be here today!

How has Reactor changed your relationship with theatre, especially considering how things work in the independent scene?

Doru Taloș: That's a tough one to answer. I'm still thinking about it. Perhaps now I am much more aware of how precious people are: both those on stage and those behind the scenes. The work done by light and sound technicians, stage hands, those who fill the seats, and those who secure project funding is incredibly vital. It can be quite a balancing act to be part of so many groups at once. There can be moments of sadness in theatre, and they feel heavier when we feel isolated. That’s why it’s so important to work together, support each other, and cheer one another on! This is just as true when we connect with our wonderful audience. That's the very heart of theatre for me; we need people. I strive to understand my relationship with the people around me, rather than with "theatre" itself; theatre is secondary to me right now.

Petro Ionescu: Irremediably, to put it shortly! I like to joke that I would have chosen a completely different path if I had known what lay ahead. There are things that are demanding to carry, and I don't just mean financially. Independent theatre gives you the perspective of an outsider, which keeps you constantly questioning your place—not always the most comfortable spot! But this deep reflection connects you directly to the social, political, and ideological dialogues of our society. In independent theatre, at least in my experience, you aren't just an artist; you roll up your sleeves and dive into the massive amount of love and labor behind every production, project, and space. But there is nothing quite like it, especially during rehearsals when I remember that I chose theatre because I love to play, I love being around people, and I love having a space to translate, question, or even playfully escape reality! Another beautiful, unexpected gift has been the learning process. It's a wonderful, mutual teaching experience that goes beyond the craft of art, focusing on what you discover about yourself and others. This actually sparked my desire to teach, making our "Fresh Start" project one of the most fulfilling things I do—sometimes even more than working on a main production!

Oana Mardare: Deeply and forever! :) It continues to be a wonderful school of life. I am so glad the projects I work on still challenge me to discover new horizons. Though at the beginning it felt like we opened a theatre that dismantled everything I had learned in school (funny, when you think about it!) and that "these young directors" were asking for things I didn't feel equipped for, I’ve since learned to beautifully blend all my tools—both old and new—and understand so much more about this craft. We play so much with performativity, non-theatricality, postmodern languages, conventions, and personal, real-life material—things they don't teach you in school! I absolutely adore projects where someone is searching for a unique language and their own artistic voice. I feel incredibly lucky, even though there were moments of total overwhelm where I questioned the limits of my craft. It hasn't always been comfortable, and I've thought a lot about what comfort means for an actress. I have some answers to that, which I'll gladly share in private over a coffee! :) I'm happy to say that today I am doing great, I love the shows I perform in, and I love standing up for them. So from that perspective, it all makes beautiful sense!

Alexa Băcanu: It has transformed my relationship with theatre completely, and it's still doing so! First of all, as a spectator, my expectations and standards are much higher. I need to see the spark of thought behind a show, its artistic or political purpose. I have little patience for empty art that doesn't try to say something or move me. I don't just want to "like" a show; I want to feel a coherent, thoughtful mind behind it. And speaking of enjoyment, I’ve started to view theatre as an immersive experience, not just a place to go and feel comfortable. I think that's the healthiest way to appreciate bold, artistic endeavors that might challenge your tastes or push you out of your comfort zone. I’ve learned to appreciate theatre in its context—who is speaking, where, and why, not just how. So, actually, I’ve become much more open-minded! I no longer judge performances by absolute standards, but rather celebrate them subjectively based on how they make me feel and the thoughts they inspire.

As a creator, I've become much more mindful of the responsibility of my voice—to avoid harmful clichés, protect fragile things, and never break anything by mistake. I’ve also completely changed my view on artistic detachment. I used to think artists should remain subtle and detached. Now I realize that if you don't have strong opinions, you don't have much to say! All the legendary artists we admire had passionate opinions. Shakespeare has the subtlety of a brilliantly talented cannon when writing about family, gender, and politics! It’s just that over time, the cannon became the canon (a little joke that sounds even better in English!).

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