(upper side: Symphony of Progress ; lower side: Millennial History ) “ Do you think we are naïve? ” “ No. Naïve is a too diplomatic term. People is ignorant. [sic] Misinformed, uninterested. Not naïve. ” A brief exchange as such is what has stuck with me since going to the documentary-concert Millennial History (Resonate Productions, Netherlands), at the beginning of this month. Those same lines resurfaced even more prominently while attending a radio-like play called Simfonia progresului / Symphony of Progress (HAU Hebbel am Ufer, Germany & teatru-spălătorie, Moldova). Both performances were part of the National Theatre Festival held in Bucharest (5-13 November 2022) and they have ended up reminding people that contemporary theatre has different purposes altogether, namely to be – or feel – real . To openly address political and social issues. Ultimately, to urge the members of the audience to step out of their wilful blindness. The two shows do have different origins an