National Theatre Bucharest
Romania's national theatre on Bulevardul Nicolae Balcescu, with six stages under one roof.
The National Theatre traces its line to the company founded in 1852, whose first home on Calea Victoriei was destroyed by bombing in 1944. A new house was built on University Square to designs by Horia Maicu, Romeo Belea and Nicolae Cucu and opened in 1973. The original arcaded exterior was encased in the 1980s, and between 2011 and 2014 the building was remodelled under Romeo Belea, who opened up the facades again and added a rooftop level with further performance and exhibition space.
The theatre carries the name of the dramatist Ion Luca Caragiale, whose statue stands outside, and it works with a permanent acting company. Six auditoriums of different sizes, from the large Ion Caramitru hall to studio and workshop spaces, allow classic Romanian drama, international repertoire and new writing to run side by side. The complex also contains exhibition areas, a bookshop and cafes, and hosts guest productions and festivals throughout the season.
Highlights
- Six auditoriums ranging from large hall to studio spaces
- Rooftop level added in the 2011-2014 remodelling
- Statue of Ion Luca Caragiale outside the entrance
- Permanent company performing Romanian and world drama
