by Nistor Tănase
She is as discreet a presence in the public life of Sibiu as she is powerful when she is on stage. She has the almost unique ability to play every role, regardless of its scale, with equal joy and strength. A memorable presence in every performance in which she is cast, Diana Văcaru Lazăr is one of the actresses alongside whom the history of the Sibiu International Theater Festival has been written ever since its first editions.
Nistor Tănase: This year we are celebrating 30 years since the International Theater Festival made history in Sibiu. You are also part of this history, being on the festival team since its first editions. When you look back on these thirty years and especially on the beginnings of FITS in Sibiu, what are your thoughts and emotions? How do you perceive the festival in this anniversary year?
Diana Văcaru Lazăr: First of all, I believe that this incredible journey is a miracle in itself. A story of which I am a part and which at the same time is part of my life. They have become intertwined over the years and without us realizing it, or maybe we did realize it, they have shaped us in a certain way towards the profession, towards the public, towards the city. I am lucky to have been part of that small team from the beginning, full of dreams, enthusiasm, youth and love of theater.
And then there was a huge amount of work, of tenacity, of faith and stubbornness at times, of understanding at other times, of the entire team that over the years worked, created and found solutions to make this story possible. This year we are turning 30! A gift that we all receive, in order to offer it to everyone – to all our spectators, to lovers of theater, of dreams, of people, of friendship, of miracles!
What are the most powerful memories you have of the Sibiu International Theater Festival?
Diana Văcaru Lazăr: I don’t know if I could categorize the memories. Undoubtedly there are many of them, and all of them are extraordinary, especially as we look back. But I do think that my emotions as an actress during all of the performances I have been a part of over the years are the most powerful memories. And the moment when, during the pandemic, after an edition of the festival that took place online, I was able to return to the stage, I can never forget.
Mr. Constantin Chiriac talks about the importance of essential encounters that have the power to change our lives. What were those essential encounters at FITS for you, which you think transformed you as a person, as an artist?
Diana Văcaru Lazăr: I believe that the life of each of us is in itself a series of encounters with the help of which we build ourselves. I met all those wonderful people, with whom I dreamed of working, of listening to them, of enriching myself by being around them, wonderful artists, theater people, personalities…
Some of them I worked with and I still work with, others I have talked to, I laughed, I cried, I was present there with them. We were face to face. I love them, respect them and thank each and every one of them. I don’t know if they changed me as a person or as an artist, but I certainly built together with each one a miracle that I carry inside my soul.
FITS is one of the events that had a major contribution in defining the cultural identity of Sibiu and the community here. How would you like the festival to evolve in the next 30 years?
Diana Văcaru Lazăr: I never thought about it, any more than I thought about this moment 30 years ago. I would like things to be much easier and more natural from a technical point of view. The festival team works so hard every year and I wish it was easier for them.
And I also want everyone involved not to forget that this story is possible thanks to the courage, dreams and work ethics of a man named Constantin Chiriac, around whom we have all rallied over time because we have something in common. Maybe the power to make things happen. Thus, the festival will evolve naturally.
In which performances can the spectators see you during this year’s edition of the festival?
Diana Văcaru Lazăr: In performances very dear to my heart: The Scarlet Princess and Games, words, crickets, directed by Silviu Purcărete, Mother, directed by Mariana Cămărășan, The cherry orchard, directed by Dumitru Acriș.
Cover photo: Andrei Runcanu
