Royal Court of Piatra-Neamț

The Theatre of Youth Piatra Neamț is a professional cultural institution, subordinated to the Neamț County Council and specialized in the production of theater performances and interdisciplinary artistic activities, for which the permanent actors collaborate with guest artists. Supporting theater creators at the beginning of their journey is a mission marked in the DNA of this institution from the starting moment of its operation, in 1958. Known in the theatrical world in the period before 1989 as the "Piatra Neamț phenomenon", this theater has functioned as a creative laboratory for entire generations of artists, many of whom have become peaks of their generation. Today, we’re taking this theatre’s tradition further, by envisioning and organizing cultural projects which relate to the young generation’s approach in directing, acting or stage design. Additionally, we’re trying to develop or secure a number of intercultural projects which would allow us to connect the dramatic act to other types of artistic manifestations, but also to achieve coherent dialogue with other cultures.  ‘Future Laboratory’, financed through the Creative Europe programme, finds itself among the Theatre's latest intercultural projects and it involves twelve European performing arts institutions with a strong international component, which are working collaboratively to discover the European narratives of tomorrow. Determined to better integrate marginalized, isolated and disengaged communities in their activities both on and off stage and acutely aware of the impact the pandemic has had on the next generation, the partners have set up an international research project to support the career and international development of emerging artists. From 2022 to 2024, the Theatre of Youth hosts 4 research residencies for artists Ewa Mikula (Poland), Maurin Olles (France), Carlota Matos (UK/Portugal) and Anne Kapsner (Germany). Also, during the same period, it offers the context for a mentorship program for the Romanian artist Ruxandra Simion. Another product of a European partnership is the UNLOCK THE CITY! initiative, financed through the Creative Europe programme, a culture-led regeneration project aimed at developing an integrated working method that combines technical scientific and design-oriented research with theatre practice. Operating in places or areas that played a key role for citizenship during the pandemic, the project explores the concept of limit (economic, social, physical, etc.) in the post-pandemic city, on three different levels: building (Object), community (Subject), relationship between urban area and the theatre (Relationship). For each of them, the Theater of Youth will produce a show signed by the artists Irina Moscu, Bogdan Zamfir and Daniel Chirilă respectively.   The international Piatra Neamț Theatre Festival is nonetheless amongst the Theatre’s proudest achievements because it reflects the institution’s mission thoroughly: supporting the new generations of artists and promoting cultural products that focus on important topics for the local and global community. The event proposes to all its participants - the local public, visitors from Romania and abroad - productions that raise discussion about relevant themes, pressing matters for today’s society, created by authors with an artistic language that is personal, striking and provocative. 

Colibele Haiducilor ("Outlaws' huts"), a new object of tourist and citizen interest, were put into use in 1968. The construction work started in April and lasted until August, the investment value being 500,000 lei. "Located in a beautiful natural setting, on one of the terraces of the "Cozla" park, they consist of six huts with 8 seats each, a grotto where whole rams will be roasted and can be served in skewers, a rustic restaurant with 80 seats, plus a 20-seat bar, the terrace (courtyard) with 150 seats, an outlaw hut for keeping and serving wines in burnt clay jugs and a terrace with a view of the city center and the Bistriței Valley». The architect of "Colibelor haiducilor", Vasile Popovici, stated that the materials used were: wood and stone, and the roof was made of slate. "In the big hut, for example, the atmosphere of an outlaw stop is recreated. The outlaws came, dismounted, took the saddles from the horses, placed them around a log, entered the house and went about their business». Nicolae Săndescu, foreman at Group 2 of the Piatra Neamț construction site, said that "we tried to do a job of the best quality, so that when we come to the restaurant's tables as consumers, we will not be ashamed". Dumitru Frosin, director of TAPL Piatra Neamț, said in his turn: "The taraf led by Preda Isidor also contributes to the completion of the atmosphere. The singers have many outlaw musical pieces in their repertoire, and through their interpretation, I hope they will show a good artistic attitude, thus enjoying the warm appreciation of the consumers. I think that our new establishment will be very much in demand by consumers due to its outlaw character, with various culinary preparations from game, sheep, beef, poultry, mushrooms, cheeses. Also, the drinks will be of the best quality». Article published by A. Nanu and Tiberiu Uță in Ceahlăul newspaper (Sunday, September 8, 1968) and taken from www.mesagerulneamt.ro

The Circle of Housewives is the oldest restaurant in Piatra-Neamț and one of the places with the most beautiful view of the city. BRIEF HISTORY FROM THE HOSTS "...The worse war was over: Great Romania was born! The men had amply proved their bravery; and women - skill. They had replaced the departed as soldiers in everything; they had become exceptional sisters of charity at the front, in the hospitals, following the example and impulse to do good of their young queen. Now, out of the storm, life seemed smiling and good to them again. The land of the whole of Romania was full of riches coveted by famous powers and interests. Unexpected fortunes were made. In the 20s - keep partying! But the crowd of women was a little tired of just being pretty. It was time to relearn to be human: the war had left behind millions of orphans, invalids, the poor. As they had also gone through not a few hard days, all the ladies of the high society became more and more concerned with works of charity. Only a few years before, it did not even occur to them that there could be something useful around them other than balls and veils. Now they started on a different path: each one, ladies and young ladies, with wealth, with men in power or... with their simple will, did everything in their power to alleviate as much suffering as possible: canteens and dormitories, workshops, hospitals, dispensaries, entire villages helped, churches, orphanages, schools for boys and girls patronized - all brought and kept in working order by these women, true missionaries.   In Piatra-Neamț, after the war, the ASSOCIATION OF 1920 WOMEN'S CIRCLES became a branch, which became a daring project for the most prominent ladies of the county. For their good thought, we mention them now: Simona Lahovary - president of the national association. Neamţ county branch: Valentina Focșa - president, Emma Culmuschi and Eugenia I. Săvescu vice-presidents, Eugenia Niculescu-Dacu, Natalia Cuza and many others, with the help of their generous husbands and several warm-hearted priests. Among other things, this association raises "on Cozla Mică, in the place called "la Prăjină", a terrace-garden, with the aim of offering young gentlemen, sportsmen, hikers and tennis players "a snack and a refreshing drink" in that delightful view .   It is the place later called THE CIRCLE OF HOUSEWIVES TERACE. It's the stop most loved by anyone who hiked, with their parents when they were little, with their colleagues a little bit, with their girlfriend, and then... with their children. Who hasn't been in this enchanted meadow at least once? Who here stopped and didn't come back? What local does not smile nostalgically, when he looks, from anywhere, from below, at this beautiful, not hidden but mysterious place? Only the silent gazebo knows how much it has been through, resisting, sooner or later. But it survived anyway, because at its foundation is the good heart. Under the brow of the fir trees, the THE CIRCLE OF HOUSEWIVES RESTAURANT welcomes you today with the same welcoming smile. It has put on new festive clothes and is eagerly waiting for you. Any special moment, lived with your loved ones, will undoubtedly become our honor and joy. We strive to remind you of that forgotten time and the housewives of oldtimes. And here again, we carry the tradition forward. Because the hospitality of the people has no death. You're welcome!"

This neo-Romanian style house was built in 1927 in the center of Piatra-Neamț. Until 2022, an international restaurant operated here, but it was closed in the meantime. The property has not yet been sold or rented to another beneficiary, but it can be admired from Paharnicul street (no. 3) where it is located.