“Gheorghe Urschi, dissident”: Sandu Grecu proposes naming a street after him
Although he "put comedy on the table" alongside other art forms, master Gheorghe Urschi "was not appreciated at his true value" during his lifetime, according to Sandu Grecu, the president of the Theater Union of the Republic of Moldova (UNITEM). Grecu believes Urschi was "a total talent," and that it will be challenging to find someone who can match his excellence.
Gheorghe Urschi was a prominent dissident in the Republic of Moldova who courageously stood against the system. Reflecting on that time, Sandu Grecu shared, "Now it’s easy to talk about it, but during the communist regime in the USSR, in 1982 when miniature theater emerged, we had to communicate criticism with subtlety—like a lizard—with just a single word spoken in each sketch. I remember our director, Margareta Reabcov, and the battles we fought to get some sketches approved. She was instrumental in introducing short theater formats and, like today’s stand-up or one-man shows, drew crowds of up to 2,000 spectators at the National Palace for an hour. Gheorghe Urschi was a satirical fighter—ironic, pragmatic, and exceptionally demanding."
Grecu emphasized Urschi's legacy, stating, "No one was as loved as Gheorghe Urschi in the Republic of Moldova. He was the pioneer who promoted the art of comedy and appreciated discovering new talent ‘like a child, without envy.’"
"Urschi was a true total artist—a great actor, a distinguished theater and film director. We should remember his play ‘Testament,’ which has been performing for decades at the ‘Luceafărul’ Theater. Gheorghe Urschi, along with many from the golden generation, are genuine People's Artists. When we speak of People's Artists, I believe no one was more beloved than Gheorghe Urschi. Thus, his passing is only physical; his work, the dramaturgy he created, the films he produced, and everything he contributed to our small nation will live on. Gheorghe Urschi did not die; he lives and will continue to live among us," Grecu added.
According to the same source, the “King of Humor” will be difficult to replace. Grecu noted, "It is hard to find someone who could even attempt to match Urschi’s talents because he was a versatile artist—he played instruments, had a perfect voice, directed films and theater, and was an exceptional comedic and dramatic actor, as well as a great playwright."
Sandu Grecu also proposed honoring Urschi's memory by naming a street after him and promoting his work. “He taught many of us what humor means, what it means to be a human being, a creator, and, most importantly, a citizen of this country," he said for public television.
Veaceslav Sambriș, the artistic director of the ‘Luceafărul’ Theater, agreed that it's essential to preserve Urschi's legacy. "He left behind a significant artistic value that we must maintain and capitalize on. We have a show in our repertoire that is 100% his creation—‘Testamentul,’ which has been performed for over thirty years and continues to be staged regularly. We need to discuss and consider it again," Sambriș stated.
Meanwhile, actor Vitalie Rusu, who collaborated with Gheorghe Urschi for many years, noted that despite the humor Urschi brought to the audience, he was, in fact, "a sad man." Rusu explained, "I worked with him for many years and toured extensively throughout the republic. He genuinely understood the people's pain. Although he had a cheerful demeanor, there was a profound sadness within him. During a conversation over a glass of wine, he confided in me, saying, 'Vitalie, everything hurts me. What’s happening in society, the way people interact, the issues in families—it all hurts.' He was, in essence, a very lonely man. While he had loved ones, deep down, Gheorghe was profoundly sad."
Rusu, who acted in all of Urschi's films, concluded by stating, "No one was more beloved by the public. He is the only actor that our entire nation adored and revered."
Gheorghe Urschi, known as the "King of Humor," passed away on April 13 at the age of 78. He had been hospitalized for nearly a month at the Republican Clinical Hospital "Timofei Moșneaga."
The health issues of the beloved actor, who was born in 1948 in Cotiujenii Mari, Şoldănești district, began many years ago. In 2011, he suffered a stroke that left him bedridden.
Urschi retired from the stage in 2011 after a distinguished career that included performing in numerous plays, directing dozens of shows, and acting in various films.
He was the first comic actor to present his original texts to the public, paving a new path in Moldovan theater. Throughout his life, audiences adored him for his humor, often critical of those in power. He had the courage to speak the truth through a subtle, sometimes uncomfortable but always profound sense of humor, making entire generations reflect on themselves.
Some of his most famous works include the films "Văleu, văleu, nu turna!" and "Cine arvoneste acela plateste," as well as the show "Testamentul," which have all become part of the national cultural heritage.
Upon news of his passing, his family wrote on social media: "Gheorghe Urschi has passed away. After 5,422 days of fighting for life, the traitorous body has released his soul. Let God help him rest in peace. There, his wife, Maria Urschi, will take care of him."
President Maia Sandu announced that the day of his funeral will be declared a day of national mourning.
