Mayor MiSilă": Scathing Irony After Theater Troupe Disbanded in Major Romanian City

Focșani's city hall has dissolved the permanent acting troupe at the Municipal Theater "Maior Gh. Pastia," a decision that has ignited widespread criticism from the Romanian artistic community. Mayor Cristi Valentin Misăilă initiated the reorganization, which shifts the theater from a repertory model to a project-based one, leading to the elimination of 20 acting positions.

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I don't suspect you of cunning. I realized some time ago that, with most politicians, it's about ignorance.

Actor Cosmin Nedelcu, known as Micutzu, directly addressed the mayor, whom he sarcastically dubbed "Mayor MiSilă." Nedelcu accused the mayor of ignorance rather than malice, stating that by cutting access to theater, the mayor aims to prevent citizens from questioning things. He urged the public not to tolerate this "abuse," emphasizing the loss for the city's children who will be "poorer" without the theater's actors.

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When you cut people's access to theater, you do it only so they stop asking questions.

Marius Manole, another prominent actor, lamented the situation on Facebook, reflecting on his past efforts to defend the Romanian theater system. He expressed disappointment that colleagues often shied away from political involvement, preferring to "just do our job." Manole also criticized the silence of the Romanian Theater Union (UNITER), arguing that its role extends beyond organizing festivals to actively opposing injustices within the theater world.

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I ask the people of Focșani not to bow their heads in the face of this abuse, in the name of their children, who will be poorer without the actors of the "Maior Gh. Pastia" Theater.

The decision has been met with dismay, with critics arguing it damages the cultural identity of Focșani and deprives young people of valuable mentorship. The transformation of the theater is seen by many as a step backward for the city's cultural landscape.

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Years ago, I got involved in many fights and controversies. (...) When I asked colleagues for help, they would answer: 'We are actors. We do our job. We are not interested in politics.'