photo © UNATC
“Passing Through” (2024), I. L. Caragiale National University of Theatre and Cinematography
April 4, 2025, 7 p.m., Atelier Hall
Duration: 1h, no intermission
Credits:
Concept & Choreography: Sofia Sitaru-Onofrei
Performers: Andreea Vălean, George Pleșca, Vlad Furtună, Roxana Popa, Teodora Tudose, Sofia Sitaru-Onofrei
Text & Performance: Teodora Tudose
Sound Design: Daniel Stănciucu
Lighting design: Filip Stoica
Video Design: Ștefan Săcuicu
Set design & Costumes: Alberto Ursache
Artistic consultant: Anca Stoica
Coordinating professors: Assoc. Prof. Liliana Iorgulescu PhD & Lect. Andreea Tănăsescu PhD
Performance description:
“Passing Through” is a performance that explores the concept of the transition between life and death, bringing to the forefront a profound perspective on human existence. Life is portrayed as a space where human beings are gradually consumed by the physical and mental agitation and pressures of everyday existence, to the point of total exhaustion.
In contrast, the afterlife is presented as a release, a space of transcendence and absolute freedom, where the physical body is left behind, and the soul is free to float unrestricted in an environment where weightlessness and sensory experience become the guiding principles.
The performance invites the audience to reflect on the nature of the passage between life and death, offering the choreographer’s personal insight into these fundamental aspects of the human condition.
Sofia Sitaru holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Choreography from the National University of Theatre and Film in Bucharest. She completed her first year of her Master’s at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and later danced with the Jerusalem Dance Company. During her time in Israel, she worked with choreographers such as Noa Zuk, Shahar Binyamini, Pablo Girolami, Noa Shadur, and Eyal Nahum. She collaborated with the Bucharest National Opera, performing as a ballet dancer in the ensemble during the 2018-2021 seasons. Currently, she works as a freelance contemporary dancer in Romania. As a performer, Sofia collaborates with Platforma 13, participating in both national and international projects. As a teacher, she teaches ballet and contemporary dance at Duende, DansCo, and Arta Jucăușă dance schools. As a choreographer, Sofia has created several works, including the musical “De treci codrii,” which premiered at Godot Theatre, directed by Eugen Gyemant. Her debut performance, “Games of Mars,” was presented at the “Young Choreographers’ Gala” at the Bucharest National Theatre in 2021 and won an award at the “Okaua” National Theatre Festival in 2021. Through her latest performance “Passing Through” she received the award for the best performance, along with the award for the best choreographer from UNATC.