Celebrating a national icon: Ion Ungureanu honored at the Literature Museum
A two-part event at the National Museum of Romanian Literature celebrated the late Ion Ungureanu, a revered advocate and promoter of national values.
Visitors, officials, and former disciples gathered for an exhibition and the launch of the book-album "Ion Ungureanu: The Thread of History," published with the support of the Ministry of Culture.
The event marking Ion Ungureanu's 90th anniversary drew numerous admirers, for whom his manuscripts, theatrical scripts, archival documents, and photographs were a revelation.
"Our museum organized an exhibition dedicated to this versatile spirit. We are also launching the book 'Ion Ungureanu: The Thread of Memory,' authored by Ms. Fedorenco," said Maria Șleahtițchi, Director of the Museum of Literature.
Ion Ungureanu's lessons in theatre, and especially his lessons in personal dignity, remain vivid in the memories of his former disciples.
"Working with him on stage was a true joy and pleasure. It's a deep regret that Ion didn't live to this age, because he would always have had something important to say," shared Vera Mereuță, an actress.
"The words 'a mountain of a man,' both literally and figuratively, truly describe Ion Ungureanu," stated Sergiu Prodan, Minister of Culture.
"We are only now beginning to discover and truly appreciate all that Ion Ungureanu thought, wrote, directed, and represented. We are displaying his books and photographs," commented Nelly Cozaru, an actress.
"When we, as Moldovans, went to Moscow in '80, it was thanks to Ion Ungureanu's education that we returned in '85 as fully formed Romanians," recounted Petru Hadârcă, Director of the "Mihai Eminescu" Theatre.
Ion Ungureanu articulated the National Revival.
"Ion Ungureanu's golden voice is the voice of the Great National Assembly. Or, conversely, the voice of the Great National Assembly is Ion Ungureanu's golden voice. He revitalized national culture through the first celebration dedicated to the national language, 'Limba Noastră cea Română' (Our Romanian Language)," said Ion Hadârcă, a poet.
Ion Ungureanu's distinct voice, passion, and teachings remain relevant today.
"As long as there's insistence that languages are different, with different names, that we are different nations, for that long, Soviet power in Moldova has not truly departed. Soviet power, in this case, means lies, it means the dictatorship of mediocrity, it means supporting everything that is historically false," Ion Ungureanu stated.
Ion Ungureanu was born on August 2, 1935, in Opaci village, then in Tighina county, and now in Căușeni district.
The great actor, director, and writer passed away on January 28, 2017.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
