Doina - Groups - "Măgura" Amateur Theater Group

History

magura_group_banner1 In 2013, at the initiative of Adina Giurgiu, the renowned Romanian actor Claudiu Bleonț visited Auckland alongside writer George Smarandache with the goal of staging the play "Măgura". Claudiu Bleonț not only took on the roles of director and stage designer but also played two characters: Ionică, a young man recently returned to his village after military service, and an intriguing, moralizing character named "Intenția" (The Intention).

What made this project special was its community-driven nature, aiming to involve Romanian Aucklanders as cast members—brave individuals who overcame their stage fright and dedicated their evenings after work to rehearsals for several weeks. Initially, only two performances were planned, but due to high demand from the Romanian audience in Auckland, a third show was added.

After Claudiu Bleonț’s departure, the participants in this project (Irina, Pucu, Laura, Alex, Dragoș, Delia, Lavinia, Mariana, Dana, Călina, Alexandru, and Adina) were inspired to continue this wonderful chapter of their lives in theater.

At Delia's initiative, the Măgura Amateur Acting Troupe was formed. The name "Măgura" was an easy choice, holding a special place in the hearts of the actors.

Over time, new members joined the troupe, and every year since, they’ve delighted the community with a beautiful play performed in Romanian, here at the end of the world in Auckland. Few Romanian communities in the diaspora can boast their own acting troupe, and this achievement has earned Măgura a stellar reputation. The troupe has even been featured in interviews on Romanian radio and international TV.
The "Măgura" troupe continues to bring joy and preserve Romanian culture through the power of theater.
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We were fortunate to have support from individuals who contributed to the technical desk, stage design, costumes, and posters, including Cristian Giurgiu, Gabriel Giurgiu, Gelu Roșioru, Gigi Iugan, Olga Necșulescu, and Tony Popescu.

Staging a play requires willpower, passion, emotional motivation, and financial support through funding proposals submitted by the **Doina Association**, as well as the backing of audience members—without whom no performance would have its purpose. On average, each play was attended by about 80-100 spectators. Ticket sales partially covered expenses, with the remainder funded through financial contributions.

All members of the Măgura Troupe participate voluntarily without compensation for their efforts. However, they are richly rewarded by the applause and support of the audience. Not every actor has participated in every performance, but together, they’ve left behind laughter, tears, thoughts, moments of joy, and, most importantly, priceless memories.

The Măgura Troupe is open to everyone. Whether you’d like to join as an actor, director, stagehand, sound technician, or help with set design or furniture transport, you’re warmly invited to reach out to any of the troupe members mentioned above.

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After its debut, the "Măgura" troupe brought over 10 projects to audiences in Auckland (and beyond), where our actors took the stage:

2014: "A Woman of No Importance" by Oscar Wilde, directed by Delia Giurgiu
2014: "Romanian Wedding" - a performance with music, food, and dance, showcasing Romanian wedding traditions, directed by Delia Giurgiu
2014: "Carnival Scenes" - a show featuring excerpts from I. L. Caragiale's sketches, performed during a masquerade ball of the same title
2015: "A Woman of No Importance" by Oscar Wilde, directed by Delia Giurgiu. The troupe traveled to Christchurch at the invitation of the Romanian communities in Christchurch and Ashburton
2015: "Simply a Woman," directed by Ovidiu Caita
2016: "A Shorter Way to Happiness" by Roger Hall, directed by Delia Giurgiu
2017: "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, directed by Claire Dunning - a blend of English and Romanian casts
2018: "The Ninth Cloud" by Pam Valentine, directed by Delia Giurgiu. In December 2018, the play was also performed in Melbourne at the invitation of the Romanian community there
2019: "Titanic Waltz" by Tudor Mușatescu, directed by Adina Giurgiu
2020: "The End is Not Here" by Roger Hall, directed by Mariana Popa
2021: Due to the pandemic, no performances were held
2022: "The Sweet Delilah Swim Club" by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, directed by Delia Giurgiu

If you're wondering how the staging of a play unfolds for the Măgura troupe, here is an overview of the entire process:

- Selecting a play that aligns with the preferences of the Romanian audience in Auckland.
- Acquiring the script and securing copyright permissions.
- Finding a theater venue available during the period when the actors are free.
- Casting the roles—efforts are made to choose plays that involve as many available actors as possible, with the director assigning roles. Identifying volunteers to assist with set design or transporting furniture to and from the venue.
- Translating the script into Romanian (if needed).
- Choosing costumes, furniture, and other necessary stage props.
- Organizing the set design, arranging it on stage, and transporting furniture to and from the venue.
- Selecting the soundtrack and other sound effects needed for the play (e.g., doorbells, wind, rain, car sounds).
- Setting up technical elements (lighting and sound).
- Securing a rehearsal space and scheduling rehearsal hours.
- Photography and filming.
- Preparing the poster, program, and promotional announcements.
- Selling tickets.
- Rehearsals—typically around 2-3 meetings per week, each lasting about 4 hours, or more on weekends.
- And, of course, the performances themselves.

It is an intense yet beautiful experience.

"Măgura" Amateur Theater Group

History

Coordinators

Amateur Actors

Collaborators