Two Oradea Theatre Companies Share the Stage – MaRó Takes Shape

Two Oradea Theatre Companies Share the Stage – MaRó takes shape.

Rehearsals have been underway since early September for the production of Székely Csaba’s MaRó. The first joint production of the Szigligeti Theatre Oradea and Teatrul Regina Maria is directed by Bobi Pricop, artistic director of the Iosif Vulcan Company.

Through a series of grotesque scenes, the bilingual satire explores recurring situations, misunderstandings and absurdities of Hungarian–Romanian coexistence. Our history, identity and cultural differences, along with the stereotypes and prejudices that persist within our communities, become sources of both liberating laughter and painful recognition.

The title is formed from the first syllables of the Hungarian and Romanian terms, while also referring to the meaning of the Hungarian word “maró” – “corrosive” or “caustic”, suggesting something that eats away or burns. It aptly captures a world in which a shared past, historical grievances, everyday coexistence and humour are inextricably intertwined.

The first version of the play premiered in 2015 at Yorick Studio in Târgu Mureș. The new Oradea production consists of thirteen scenes. Hungarian and Romanian alternate throughout the performance, with surtitles provided to aid understanding.

The production also brings the tools of live cinema into the theatrical space: cameras visible on stage and real-time projections offer new perspectives on the characters and the situations that unfold between them.

The co-production brings together the actors and creative teams of the Szigligeti Theatre Oradea and Teatrul Regina Maria in a shared creative process, while also inviting the audiences of the two institutions to come together. With humour and self-irony, MaRó approaches sensitive questions of our shared reality, creating an opportunity to recognise our own ingrained patterns and laugh at them together.

Cast

Richard Balint, Balogh Attila, Giorgiana Coman, Fodor Réka, Ioana Dragoș Gajdo, Hunyadi István, Máthé Barbara, Eugen Neag, Răzvan Vicoveanu, Szotyori József, Tasnádi-Sáhy Noémi and Tőtős Ádám.

Creative Team

Director: Bobi Pricop
Set Design: Raul Cioabă
Costume Design: Cristina Breteanu
Music and Video Design: iRonic Distors (Alin Sterian)
Lighting Design: Nichita Teodorescu
Stage Manager: Lațcu Cati

Premieres

17 October 2026 – premiere of the Szigligeti Company
18 October 2026 – premiere of the Iosif Vulcan Company

Venue: Main Hall

The performance is not recommended for audiences under the age of 14.