Friday. 6 o'clock - written by Ionuț Sociu and Vlad Bălan (directed by Vlad Bălan) (RO)

at the Small Hall

Starting from a real case that took place in 1923 in Bucharest, we aim to write a play exploring the theme of right-wing extremism (and the violence that accompanies it). The case in question is an act of sabotage/boycott of a theatre performance staged 100 years ago by the Jewish company of Mally Picon at the Eforia Hall in Bucharest. The performance was interrupted by a large group of antisemitic/legionary students; it was a violent episode that ended with the intervention of the police, with audience members being beaten, etc., and it was also reported in the press of the time.

Our goal is not to create a documentary-style performance reconstructing that moment historically, but rather to focus on the mechanisms and means of radicalization behind such actions, which shape the identity of extremist/fascist groups. (At the same time, the figure of Mally Picon deserves to be highlighted, as she later became one of the emblematic actresses of 1930s–40s America.) Beyond the theme itself, another important pillar of the text will be its (meta)theatrical dimension, explored from multiple angles — bringing in diverse cultural meanings, as well as humor and irony.

There has been much discussion lately about the similarities between the present moment and the interwar period, and in this context we aim to speak about today’s world through a leap into the past — doing so in an inventive, dynamic way that is highly relevant for Romania in 2025.

Vlad Bălan and Ionuț Sociu

Cast:
Steliana Bălăcianu
Loredana Dascălu
Costin Gavază
Delia Bălașa
Cristian Iorga
Andi Gherghe
Alexandru-Andrei Chiran
Luchian Pantea
Ștefan Mura

Directed by: Vlad Bălan
Set design: Andrada Chiriac
Original music: Adrian Piciorea
Lighting design: Costi Baciu
Prompter: Iolanda Belbe
Technical direction: Stelian Chițacu

The performance lasts 1 hour and 50 minutes and is recommended for audiences aged 16+.
 WARNING! The performance contains emotionally intense scenes, including physical, verbal, and psychological violence. Strobe lighting and odorless stage smoke are used. Not recommended for people with epilepsy, pacemakers, pregnant women, or those with respiratory issues.

The performance will take place on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 PM, in the Small Hall.
 Tickets are available online: https://in-time.ro/e/vineriora-6-260508