by Mirela Sandu Gheorghiu, photo: Maria Ștefănescu
At this year’s edition of the Babel International Festival, one presence that caught the audience’s attention and brought an extra layer of emotion and authenticity to the entire experience was that of New Zealand actor Mark Hadlow, a well-known figure in the world of theatre and film. Mark Hadlow appeared with two deeply personal productions – the recorded stage show Mamil and the film Blue Moon. Though very different in form and tone, both managed to speak about human fragility, courage, and rediscovery, each in a deeply personal artistic language.
The first moment that brought him in front of the Babel Festival audience was Mamil – a comedy with a profound subtext, in which Hadlow explores with honesty and humor the inner world of a middle-aged man passionate about cycling. Even in its recorded format, the performance conveyed vibrant energy and authentic emotion, managing to make the audience laugh but also to see themselves in the character’s struggles. It was more than just a comedy – it was a stage confession full of nuances, delivered with the generosity and skill of a seasoned actor, confident in his craft.
The second highlight, the film Blue Moon, brought a shift in tone, revealing the dramatic and intense side of the actor. In a thriller created almost as a cinematic experiment – filmed entirely with a mobile phone – Mark Hadlow gives life to a complex character caught in a story filled with twists, tough decisions, and suspense. His performance is subtle, profound, and full of humanity, and the film was warmly received by the festival audience, who had the rare opportunity to speak directly with the actor after the screening.
Mark Hadlow stood out through his warm, open, and deeply human presence. His interactions with the public, his genuine interest in the local culture, and his sincere enthusiasm to be part of the BABEL spirit turned his artistic participation into a real connection, beyond stage and screen.
Through his participation in the Babel Festival 2025, Mark Hadlow brought a unique energy, managing to capture the audience’s attention and emotion through the sincere simplicity of his art. Without spectacular gimmicks, but with a deep and authentic presence, he reminded us just how powerful the impact of a well-told story can be.
His presence added a valuable human dimension to the festival, where theatre and film became pretexts for real encounters, for empathy and reflection. For all those who were there – and for those who now discover these moments – Mark Hadlow remains a living example of how art can touch and bring people together, beyond words and borders.