Romanians in Sydney in a Cultural Dialogue about Love

On October 26, 2024, the Romanian-Australian Book Club organized its first cultural event in Parramatta, titled Dimineți de Suflet. This event, held in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Baba Ghanouj restaurant, brought together lovers of culture and literature in a dialogue about experiences and emotions.

Opening Remarks by Anișoara Laura Mustețiu

At the start of the event, the founder of the Romanian-Australian Book Club, writer Anișoara Laura Mustețiu, addressed the participants with the following message:

*”Welcome, dear Romanians! Today, I have the joy of being surrounded by people with heartfelt souls on a special day—the first cultural event of the Romanian-Australian Book Club. Thank you all for your support and for being here!

I founded the Romanian-Australian Book Club with the intention of creating meaningful moments together, enriching ourselves with ideas and emotions, and forging new spiritual connections. The Book Club also has its own publishing house, which has already published three books: Yarran, Povesti din Australia (Romanian-English edition) and Prețul Onoarei, both written by me and already read by many of you. The newest published book is Murrals—poetry by Mihaela Cristescu, with artwork by Luminița Șerbănescu.

I hope this gathering of the Romanian-Australian Book Club is only the beginning. The path I wish for us to walk together is one of harmony, human kindness, and beauty found in art, the heart, and words. We are here to share emotions, thoughts, and ideas—beautiful and inspiring ones. To pass on the beauty of creation, for in the end, creation is what truly matters, whether in literature, theater, or art. A creation that makes a beautiful contribution to our culture.

The theme of this event is Love. And those who know me—whether personally or through my books—know that the word love is woven into everything I do, including the organization of this small event. Today, however, I would like to speak about love as reflected in culture. Culture mirrors not only the thoughts and emotions of artists and writers but also humanity at large—people across all times and their deeds.

I want to share with you that this event would not have been possible without the heartfelt support and collaboration of writer Mihaela Cristescu, whom I met both as a poet and as the editor of the Romanian/Australian Anthologies of Contemporary Poetry and Prose, as well as the organizer of book launches at the NSW State Library. Both Mihaela and I are passionate about writing, but also about promoting many other writers. She does so through the poetry and prose anthologies, and I through the magazine Emoții și Lumină and the cultural programs on Radio ProDiaspora.

I admire and appreciate Mihaela Cristescu. I admire her because, no matter how difficult things get, she never gives up. I appreciate her because she brings beauty and depth to both Romanian and Australian cultures. That is why our publishing house at the Romanian-Australian Book Club has taken on her newest literary creation, Murrals—a fascinating poetry book that invites both delight and reflection, enriched with stunning photographs by the artist Luminița Șerbănescu.”*

Romanian Culture and Creativity in the Diaspora

Writers Anișoara Laura Mustețiu and Mihaela Cristescu opened the event with literary presentations that placed Love at the heart of the discussion. Anișoara Mustețiu conveyed deep emotions through words, emphasizing the profound and sensitive experiences in her books. Likewise, Mihaela Cristescu recited verses from Murrals, a book that offers a contemporary perspective on human emotions, revealing the magic of love through evocative lyrical imagery.

The cultural event also featured actor Cătălin Anastase, who brought a distinct touch by reciting poems from the classic Romanian repertoire. His presence added a unique dimension to the gathering, evoking Romanian theatrical and literary traditions. It was an opportunity to see Cătălin Anastase in action once again, following his successful performances in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne with the play Notes of a Madman by Nikolai Gogol, directed by the renowned actor and professor Florin Zamfirescu.

Encouraging Cultural Dialogue

Another key aspect of the event was the open invitation to dialogue. Each participant was encouraged to contribute reflections on the theme of Love, engaging in a rich exchange of ideas where every voice helped create an atmosphere of harmony and inspiration.

Among the highlights:

• Angela Dobrota recited an emotional poem written by Emma Emily.
• Ana Levik brought back poetic moments from her adolescence.
• Robert Popescu performed a poem about love.

At the end of the event, Anișoara Laura Mustețiu and Mihaela Cristescu, the organizers, thanked attendees for their support and appreciation and announced that the next Romanian-Australian Book Club event will take place in February 2025. Participants also had the chance to purchase books signed by the two authors.

Revitalizing Romanian Language and Culture in the Diaspora

The event initiated by the Romanian-Australian Book Club presented a new way to revive the Romanian language and cultural sensitivities within a community far from home. Through initiatives like this, Romanian literature and language—mirroring the soul of the Romanian people—can take on new dimensions in an international setting.

Writers Anișoara Laura Mustețiu and Mihaela Cristescu dedicate their literary talents to exploring universal themes while promoting Romanian writers internationally. Thanks to their efforts, Romanian literary voices can be heard and appreciated beyond the borders of Romania. Their stories, values, and perspectives add depth to the global literary landscape, allowing international audiences to discover the complexity and richness of Romanian culture.

By embracing cultural integration and recognition, events like this contribute to the global appreciation of Romanian heritage, reminding us all of the importance of preserving identity and beauty through literature, art, and dialogue in a constantly changing world.