The programme will feature live performance and star guest interviews with leading Romanian creatives…
Recorded in English for BBC World Service Radio, The Arts Hour on Tour visits cities all over the world to explore their hottest cultural trends by talking to the artists who live and work there, promoting artistic exchange across the world.
The Beeb note they are ‘especially excited to visit Romania – with its rich mix of cultures, ancient and modern – to present an amazing showcase of Romanian talents.’ The programme will feature live performance and star guest interviews with leading Romanian creatives who will join BBC presenter Nikki Bedi on stage, along with a live audience, to discuss themes of cultural life in Bucharest and Romania right now.
What is the relationship between fast development and deep rooted tradition in Romania? How will Romania hold onto its wealth of folklore and customs, in a rapidly changing future? How does the world perceive Romania through the lens of its cultural exports?
The programme will be joined by filmmaker Bogdan Mureșanu, whose multi award winning film, ‘The New Year That Never Came’, follows the interconnected stories and personal struggles of several Bucharest residents on the day leading up to the start of the 1989 revolution that ousted Nicolae Ceaușescu and promised dramatic change for society.
Writer, actor and director Alina Serban will also join us on stage. She is the first Roma woman to have a play in the repertoire of the Bucharest National Theatre, and recently received ‘The Order of Cultural Excellence’ presidential award for her work on stage and film, and for promoting Roma culture.
There is live music from the sensational singer songwriter Irina Rimes, famous for her TV role as a coach on The Voice of Romania, and from Bogdan Simion Mihai, whose research into the music of different Romanian regions brings passion to his stage performances. And, we have a stand-up comedy set from Gabriel Gherghe.
“Everyone is invited to attend for free and be part of our audience for the recording, which will later be broadcast on BBC World Service Radio to millions of listeners worldwide.” – BBC World Service
Date: Tuesday 4 March, Venue: Teatrul Comedie, Address: Sf. Dumitru, nr. 2, Bucuresti, Sala Radu Beligan, Doors open 7pm, for a 7.30pm start. Register for a free seat here.
