The public of Tîrgu-Mureș became familiarized with theatrical representations as early as the middle of the 19th century. The Apollo Palace, built by Count Teleki in 1822, had a hall where plays were performed periodically by amateur or professional companies invited from other cities. At the turn of the 20th century, the idea of a permanent theater appeared, but it was not accomplished until 1946, as a completion of the city”™s cultural and artistic activities. One of the first institutionalized theatrical manifestations was the establishment of an acting and declamation class within the Municipal Conservatory in 1934. Its founding professor was Gheorghe Chirvăsuță, a graduate of the Conservatory of Iași, highly appreciated for his acting and teaching talents. Between 1934 and 1940 generations of graduates would perform for the public a rich repertoire of plays and musical and dancing shows. The State Theater came into being in 1946. During its first years, the theater had only a Hungarian section led by director Tompa Miklos. Its shows were performed on the stage of the large hall of the Palace of Culture, alternating with the concerts of the philharmonic orchestra. Due to its complex repertoire and the reputed actors and directors that were part of the company, the prestige of the Tîrgu – Mureș theater would increase at a fast pace. The theater was awarded numerous prizes for interpretation and direction. Among others, actor Kovács György was granted several prizes during the 1950s. In 1962 the State Theater of Tîrgu-Mureș completed its structure by the establishment of the Romanian section, so that its theatrical productions would also address the Romanian speaking public. At first, the company was made up only of young graduates of the Institute of Theatrical and Cinematographic Art of Bucharest. The increasing number of performances would eventually lead to the necessity of finding an appropriate venue. Thus, in 1973 the actors of the Mureș theater moved to a new building erected under the supervision of a team of architects from Bucharest: Constantin Săvescu, Vladimir Slavu, Mihaela Savu and Aurel Sârbu. The design was awarded the prize of the Architects”™ Union of Romania. Its significant activity, numerous prizes, and success with the public contributed to the prestige of the Tîrgu Mureș theater to the extent that it was given the title of National Theater in 1978. Currently it is the only theater in the country to have two sections, a Romanian and a Hungarian one (The “Liviu Rebreanu” Company and the “Tompa Miklos” Company).

Bibliography:

Traina Dușa, Pagini de istorie,artă și cultură, Vol II, Editura Ansid, Tîrgu-Mureș, 2002, pp. 224-234.