National Cultural Project “I am EU” Brings Europe Closer to Citizens
The National Theater of Moldova (NTM) launched in July the cultural and civic initiative “I am EU”, which aims to bring the history and values of the European Union closer to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
Supported by the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) and implemented in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in the Republic of Moldova and the “Ion Creangă” Theater in Chisinau, the cultural project combines documentary theater with public dialogue in an innovative communication approach—a artistic reflection on values, identity, and belonging to the European family.
Within this cultural project, 30 urban and rural localities across the country will become spaces for reflection and exchange of ideas about the present and future of Europe in the Republic of Moldova. The initiative is mainly addressed to communities that do not have constant access to culture and quality information, proposing a participatory approach.
The Show “This is Europe”: A Theatrical Journey Through the History of European Integration
The central component of the cultural project is the show “This is Europe”, which premiered on July 20 at Teatrul Fără Nume, within the “Ginta Latină” Culture and Art Center in Chisinau.
The show is inspired by the eponymous book written by Belgian political scientist Hendrik Vos and translates into an expressive stage form the key moments of the formation of the European Union. The direction is signed by Walter Bavo Janssens, and the script by Frédéric Standaert.
Through the voices of actors Victor Nofit and Andrei Porubin, accompanied by cellist Alexandru Palamarciuc, the audience is guided from the post-war chaos to the dream of a united Europe, a story about diplomacy, vision, and solidarity, told with humor, emotion, and historical rigor.
In a context where the European Union is often perceived through abstract filters or fragmented information, the show proposes a human and accessible perspective. Notions such as “democracy”, “rule of law”, or “fundamental rights” become voices, emotions, and people!
National Tour and Public Dialogues in Local Communities
Until November 2025, the show will be presented in 30 localities in the Republic of Moldova. Each performance will be followed by a public debate with experts in European policies, offering communities an open space for questions, dialogue, and expression of opinions.
The premiere on July 20 was honored by the presence of Evert Maréchal, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in the Republic of Moldova, along with representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Chisinau: the Delegation of the European Union, the Embassy of the United States of America, the Embassy of the United Kingdom, the Embassy of the Czech Republic, the Embassy of Ukraine.
