Petro Ionescu: on deep questioning and theatrical solidarity!

Exciting times ahead! Right now, we're hard at work on a brand-new show – the third part of "The Solidarity Trilogy," a wonderful directorial project by Petro Ionescu. This journey started with Part 1: Love and Part 2: Power, and now Part 3: Solidarity is set to premiere on May 30th and 31st at Reactor! Between energetic rehearsals, Petro was kind enough to share a few heartfelt words with us about the beautiful experience of bringing these shows to life from 2022 to today.

Lately, I've been asking myself so many questions about what we do, the deeper meaning of our work, and the artistic choices we make. I'm exploring how my creative efforts connect with our social and political world, and how they shape each other. I'm thinking about the magic of the show we are preparing for the end of May and what it truly says to you, our wonderful audience. Most of all, I'm reflecting on the idea of work in general, and what it should bring to our lives and souls.

The Solidarity Trilogy has been a fantastic journey of stages! It all started back when I was constantly imagining creating a show about love (and not just romantic love, but love in all its forms!) in political contexts, long before I even thought about applying for my master's degree in directing in Târgu-Mureș or dreaming up a whole trilogy. Then came the preparation for the admissions, and that's when the vision of a three-part theatrical project really started to blossom! I defined the three parts and put my heart into Part 1: Love, which also became my graduation showcase. The pandemic actually played a big part in my decision to pursue my master's and create this trilogy. It sparked a real urgency within me to explore the role of art and what I can share about the world through the beauty of theatre—a sudden, exciting feeling of "it's now or never!" Knowing it was the final class led by the wonderful Theodor-Cristian Popescu, and having wanted to direct for so long, I knew I just had to take the leap, even with classes moving online and traveling between Cluj and Mureș!

Looking back at the journey so far, I feel so proud to have stayed true to the trilogy's original spirit! The creative process for the first two parts felt completely in harmony with the themes. For each show, I loved playing with a collage technique, stepping into rehearsals without a rigid structure or a fully finished script. Though it brings a thrilling touch of suspense for the team, I must admit I love diving into the unknown, discovering magic right there on stage, and weaving in the inspiration of the present moment. Alongside this, each show is a creative exploration of performance itself. I’ve loved experimenting with different styles, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to have an artistic team always ready to dive headfirst into these adventures with me, even when we weren't sure where the road would lead!

Just the other day, I was looking back at my notes from the first two parts of our trilogy. Having some distance from the rehearsals of Part 1: Love and Part 2: Power helps me see so clearly how the way we worked mirrored my own feelings about those themes at the time. If I were to make a show about love today, I’m sure it would look completely different! The order of these shows has been a beautiful journey, and now, as we approach the grand finale, I can see how much has grown and changed over the six years I've spent on this trilogy. At the end of rehearsals for Part 2: Power, I was so curious about what the world, and my own inner life, would look like when the time came for the show about solidarity. Well, here we are! And to be honest, I find myself feeling a bit more reflective and full of questions than before, both about the theme and the meaning of it all.

I'm writing these thoughts just a week before the presidential elections here in Romania, and there is definitely a sense of anticipation in the air.

Solidarity is such a beautifully complex concept! It often makes us wonder about the difference between charity and solidarity. One of my favorite definitions is this: solidarity is that wonderful hand we extend because we genuinely want to contribute to the common good of our community. We had so many lively, thought-provoking debates about what solidarity means, both during our artistic residency in Norway and with our fantastic cast, because it truly depends on the perspective you wish to support. This inspired me to design this show as a warm refuge—a cozy corner to escape to, where you can feel a sense of belonging for two hours before returning to your daily life. What surprised me most in this creative process is, on one hand, the beautiful simplicity of the structure we created—featuring a continuous, shared action where the performers work hand-in-hand—and on the other hand, the artistic challenge of choosing and giving voice to stories of solidarity in so many unique and colorful ways!

There are wonderful connections and scenes designed to weave all three parts of the trilogy together, which really brought the concept to life. Some moments are built in contrast, while others beautifully expand on earlier ideas. But the best part is that each episode stands on its own, so you can enjoy them in any order you like! Though, wouldn't it be an absolute dream to host a grand marathon and watch all three parts together in a single day?

We’ve designed a few interactive moments for our audience, but please rest assured—it's completely optional and wonderfully gentle! The magic of the show works perfectly even if you simply choose to sit back and enjoy. Ultimately, I hope you leave the theatre with some inspiring questions about how we can all contribute to our communities, the positive legacy we want to leave behind, and how our actions touch the lives of others. At its heart, I hope we all carry away the warm thought that solidarity is also about this beautiful gift of time we give to one another—the cast on stage and you, our wonderful audience, in the theater.

/divider

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