Constantin Chiriac at the Joint Session of the French Academy and the Romanian Academy

Constantin Chiriac, General Manager of the Radu Stanca National Theatre Sibiu and President of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, took part on Thursday in Paris in the joint session of the French Academy and the Romanian Academy, held to mark 145 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and France.

“One of the major themes of the joint session of the French Academy and the Romanian Academy was theatre and performing arts. I spoke about the project we intend to develop at the Baroque theatre located within the Romanian Embassy, where, together with the Théâtre de la Ville Paris, we will invite each month one of the 18 French personalities awarded a star on the Sibiu Walk of Fame to address French and Romanian audiences about the significance of great artistic creation and dialogue, and about the joy of being honored on the Sibiu Walk of Fame. At the same time, together with the two Academies and the Research Institute for the Performing Arts, we will develop the dissemination of scientific research results”, stated Constantin Chiriac.

The meeting took place at the French Academy and was opened by the Permanent Secretary of the French Academy, Amin Maalouf, and by the President of the Romanian Academy, Ioan-Aurel Pop.

The main theme of the gathering was “Sapere aude” (“Dare to know”), the famous exhortation of Horace. Following the presentations, discussions took place that further deepened scientific cooperation between France and Romania, highlighting the evolution of the sciences, including the humanities, through Franco-Romanian partnerships. Cultural cooperation between the two countries was also examined, with a particular focus on theatre as a form of artistic expression. The debates further explored the interconnections between science, democracy, and truth, while emphasizing the importance of multilingualism, the French language, the Latin language, and Francophonie in promoting pluralistic societies.

The joint session of the two Academies highlighted the profound historical ties between Romania and France, marking the beginning of a special anniversary year. On this occasion, the Romanian Embassy, in collaboration with the Romanian Cultural Institute, the Romanian Consulates General in France, and various partners from both countries, has prepared a diverse program of events. This includes political and diplomatic actions, conferences, performances, festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and book launches, illustrating the diversity and dynamism of relations between Romania and France.