photo © Andrei Căliman
“Techniques of strangling a stray dog” (2025), I. L. Caragiale National University of Theatre and Cinematography
Thursday, April 23, Atelier Hall, 7 – 8 PM (before the performance, the official closing of the conference will take place, starting at 6:45 PM)
Duration: 1 hour (without intermission)
Synopsis:
“Techniques of Strangling a Stray Dog” / “Tehnici de a sugruma un câine maidanez” is a dance-theatre piece that explores emotional burnout, personal limits, and the struggle to cope with past trauma. Created by choreographer Vlad Furtună in collaboration with playwright Alexandru Ivănoiu, the piece is inspired by their personal experiences of disconnection brought on by emotional exhaustion. Blending dance, pre-recorded text, and music, the work portrays the psychological deterioration of a person who has depleted their emotional reserves. The title serves as a metaphor: it symbolizes the act of suppressing the instinct to offer unconditional support—an instinct likened to that of a stray dog. At its core, the piece poses a powerful question: When is it necessary to take care of myself?
Credits:
Concept, choreography, and direction: Vlad Furtună
Cast: Ada Anghel, Iulia Andro, Eduard Chimac, Iustin Danalache, Bianca Geantă, Anastasia Preotu, Vlad Furtună
Voices: Tiberius Zavelea, Bogdan Iancu, Mihaela Sîrbu, Florin Grigoraș, Iuliana Danciu, Catinca Hanțiu, Costin Stancioi
Scenography and lighting design: Ruxandra Bobleagă
Music: Matei Bumbuț
Poster design: Ioana Alexuc
Artistic consultant: Assistant Professor Elena Zamfirescu, PhD
Vlad Furtună (b. 2001) is an emerging choreographer and performer in the independent dance scene. He holds a bachelor’s degree in acting and a master’s in choreography from UNATC, combining theatrical training with contemporary dance expertise. As a performer, Vlad has collaborated with prominent Romanian choreographers, including Andrea Gavriliu, Ioana Marchidan, Ștefan Lupu, and Daniel Dragomir, and has brought works by rising talents like Anastasia Preotu and Sofia Sitaru-Onofrei to life. His training has been enriched by mentorship from international artists such as Joy Alpuerto Ritter, Fabian Thomé, Jiří Pokorný, Edivaldo Ernesto, and Horacio Macuacua. In 2025, he took part in the Summer Dance Academy at Vitlycke, studying intensively with Milan Tomasik, Matija Ferlin, and Francesco Scavetta. As a choreographer, Vlad investigates raw physicality in theatrical contexts. His first full-length work, Techniques of Strangling a Stray Dog, premiered in March 2025 and won Best Choreography at the UNATC Graduation Gala. Vlad is also a teacher and creator of the REM movement method, which forms the foundation of his workshop PYJAMA DANCE at the Linotip Independent Choreographic Centre.