Marius_zgaianu_jocul_caprelor_si_a_cerbului May 2026

The "game" is a ritualistic drama featuring dancers in elaborate masks and costumes representing goats ( capra ) and the stag ( cerbul ).

Dancers wear a wooden goat head with a movable lower jaw that clatters in rhythm. The goat embodies life’s unruly force and fertility. marius_zgaianu_jocul_caprelor_si_a_cerbului

A symbol of nobility and ancient purity. Marius Zgâianu often features the stag as a "proud" ( fudul ) character in his lyrics. The "game" is a ritualistic drama featuring dancers

To understand or perform (The Game of the Goats and the Stag) by Marius Zgâianu , it is helpful to look at its roots in the winter traditions of the Bucovina region. This folk piece is part of the traditional masks' games performed during New Year's Eve celebrations in Romania. Overview of the Performance A symbol of nobility and ancient purity

Phrases like "Ța, ța, ța, capră căpriță" are rhythmic commands used to make the goat mask's jaw clapper snap.

The performance includes a troupe of "masked ones" ( mascații ) who dance to a specific upbeat rhythm, often accompanied by shouting ( strigături ) that tells a story or mocks local village figures. Music and Lyrics Structure