On Friday, 12 December 2025, Melbourne’s Romanian community came together for a truly unforgettable evening, the long-awaited performance of Papagalii / Kākāriki, a Romanian-language comedy presented by Trupa Măgura, a vibrant community theatre group from New Zealand.
The show, written by Raluca Rădulescu, produced by Adina Giurgiu and directed by Filip Ristovski, follows a mismatched group of individuals who join a theatre club and embark on a chaotic yet touching journey to stage a play. With humour, irony, and emotional depth, the performance explored themes of identity, community, and the courage to step into the unknown.
The stage came to life through the passion and dedication of a diverse cast of community actors who brought warmth, hilarity, and authenticity to each role.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Mr. Consul Andrei Ștefan and the Consulate General of Romania, who kindly sponsored the catering for the evening. They provided delicious food and drinks that made everyone feel at home. This gesture was a beautiful reflection of community spirit and cultural solidarity.
The evening was proudly presented by EuRaw, our cultural organisation dedicated to promoting Romanian arts, language, and community life in Melbourne and beyond.
Special thanks to our tireless EuRaw team: Andreea-Monica Sfârlea, Marilena David, Sabi Paisa, Manuela Wright, Sylvia Luchian. Together, we turned a dream into a sold-out reality, with all the seats filled and a long waitlist.
The night ended on an emotional high, when the audience and actors spontaneously joined voices to sing a Romanian Christmas carol. It was a moment of deep connection, one of those rare, shimmering pauses in time when borders dissolve and hearts beat in sync.
With Melbourne’s curtain now closed, Brisbane was the next stop and the success of Papagalii / Kākāriki confirms something powerful: that Romanian stories matter, and that the love for our culture is alive and thriving across oceans.
Stay tuned for more theatre, workshops, films, and cultural celebrations in 2026. EuRaw is only getting started.