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“Black Milk” is a story inspired by the experience of the renowned Turkish writer Elif Shafak, who faced the challenge of finding a balance between writing and family life. Can you have it all? Can you harmonize the calling of writing with that of motherhood? “Black Milk” is a story about embracing inner diversity and reconciling conflicting voices.

Elif Shafak conveys with honesty and without restraint, yet with deep emotion and a subtle touch of humour, her inner struggles, doubts, dilemmas, and questions about her role as a writer and how compatible it is with her personal life. Is it possible to reach an understanding, or must one make a painful choice? “Black Milk” follows her journey of self-discovery, with bright moments as well as shadows and challenges that test her limits.

The dramatization by Alma Klein, winner of the first edition of the “Horia Lovinescu” Dramatization Competition organized by the Nottara Theatre, is the first stage adaptation of this novel worldwide. Directed by Leta Popescu, “Black Milk” is infused with vibrant humour of situation and language, creating a hypnotic musicality. Set to oriental rhythms and sounds, the story reaches a universal level of existential dilemmas faced by a woman striving to reconcile her inner voices with her desires and society’s expectations. In the end, salvation comes through the healing power of art.

A witty and moving exploration of motherhood, creativity, and the search for balance.

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Translation: Ada Tanasă
Scenography & lighting design: Bogdan Spătaru
Original music: Mihai Dobre
Choreography: Florin Fieroiu
Assistant director: Ana Maria Țîrlea

Cast: Valentina Gheorghiu, Gabi Răuță, Cristina Stoica Ivanciuc, Corina Dragomir, Luminița Erga, Cristina Juncu, Ioana Calotă, Crenguța Hariton, Ana Radu

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Performance in Romanian, with translation into English
Duration: 1h 50min
Date of premiere: 27.03.2026
Original title: Lapte negru
Romania