On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Radu Stanca National Theatre Sibiu presented the play Electra, directed by Mihai Măniuțiu, on the stage of the National Day Hall at Expo 2025 Osaka, in front of an audience of over 500 spectators.
The event took place in the presence of Mr. Ferdinand Nagy, Commissioner General of the Romania Pavilion and host of the evening; Mr. Constantin Chiriac, General Director of TNRS and President of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS); H.E. Mr. Haneda Koji, Commissioner General of Expo 2025 Osaka; H.E. Mr. Ueda Hiroshi, former Ambassador of Japan to Romania; H.E. Mr. Ovidiu Raețchi, Ambassador of Romania to Japan; as well as numerous commissioners general and representatives of participating countries.
The actors of the Radu Stanca National Theatre Sibiu, accompanied by the renowned traditional music ensemble Iza Group, offered the international audience an exceptional performance in which the power of ancient Greek tragedy intertwined with the authenticity of Romanian musical heritage.
Through the intense interpretation of the actors and the archaic energy conveyed by Iza Group, the production became more than a theatrical performance—it was a ritual experience, a celebration of Romania’s intangible cultural heritage. The audience witnessed a profound dialogue between the universal myth of Electra and the folk roots of Maramureș, brought to life through ancestral performance techniques.
The enthusiastic reactions of the audience—evidenced by three encores and prolonged standing ovations—confirmed the exceptional nature of this artistic project. The emotional power, visual strength, and musical intensity created an unforgettable atmosphere.
The participation of the Radu Stanca National Theatre Sibiu at Expo 2025 Osaka showcased not only the excellence of Romanian performing arts, but also strengthened Sibiu’s position among the great international cultural centers. This performance stood out as a unique highlight within the rich cultural program of the participating countries at the World Expo in Osaka.
H.E. Mr. Haneda Koji, Commissioner General of Expo 2025 Osaka, emphasized that the performance, through its outstanding artistic value, represented a special moment within the Expo’s five-and-a-half-month cultural program. In this context, His Excellency congratulated Mr. Constantin Chiriac for this remarkable artistic achievement and expressed his gratitude to Romania for its valuable cultural contribution to the global audience visiting Expo 2025 Osaka.
To date, Romania has presented five large-scale cultural events on the main stages of Expo 2025 Osaka, all of which have enjoyed remarkable success. These events have highlighted the diversity and richness of Romania’s cultural heritage, captivating visitors from around the world and strengthening the country’s presence on the international stage.