Reality on a Plate with Cristian Balint

reality on a plate is a new publishing feature series that, in response to member requests, allows individuals to dive deeper into the experiences of others before attending our events, fostering a sense of familiarity and connection.

A classically trained actor who moves effortlessly between Shakespeare and Albee, from the Odeon stage to independent productions, he treats intuition as his compass and craft as his discipline. In conversation, he brings the same honesty he brings to the stage — clear, attentive, and always searching for what feels real.

tell us about your background — where you grew up, what food looked like in your home, and the memories that shaped who you are today

I grew up in Hunedoara and I had a childhood that now feels almost magical, like a surreal time and place that simply doesn’t exist anymore. Even the food had its own kind of spell to it— flavours you just can’t find today anymore.

When I was a kid, my mom was the one who cooked most of the time. The house smelled of baked potatoes, salata de vinete, and apple pie.

My memories are a collage of moments that brought pure joy and shaped me: playing football with my friends in the parking lot, the Pepsi I only tasted once a year at Christmas because it was impossible to find, afternoons spent on my HC 90 Romanian computer and cold winter nights in a bed warmed up by my mom with a hot brick because there was no heating. I remember listening to stories and theatre plays on vinyl, discovering music through my first tape player, and the countless tapes that I added to my collection.

Now, it’s my dad who cooks. He gradually discovered the joy it brings to him.

how did you become an actor

It was an urge that needed to be expressed, something inside me that wouldn’t stay quiet until I gave it a voice.

Photography Adi Bulboaca

who are the people you often work with

People that are vibing on the same frequency and whose energy I trust. Amazing actors like Ana Ularu, Marc Rissmann and Andreea Vasile, casting director Domnica Cîrciumaru, comedian Costel, directors Hypno, Cornel Lazia and Andrei & Andreea Grosu. They join me as guests at ACTORANIMA, the acting course for non-professionals I’m mentoring now. The main goal of the course is simple: we discover more about ourselves through acting. We also film a presentation or a monologue of your choice that can be used for auditions, and participants receive personal feedback, private audition coaching, plus access to a database of casting houses in Bucharest.

what does your morning routine look like

I start with a cold shower and a prayer to steady my mind, followed by a hot turmeric lemonade. Then I sit down with my laptop and a capuccino and work on the course, shaping it a little better every day.

what’s something your work has taught you about human nature

In our daily existence there are two strong energies that move us : love and fear. The one you choose will shape your actions and the quality of your life.

what are you a beginner at these days

I’m in motorcycling school right now.

what’s something you’ve changed your mind about recently

No more buying expensive or unnecessary clothes and shoes.

last google search

Sneaker inner lining.

which was the latest book that surprised you

I re-read The Demon by Hubert Selby Jr. It’s brilliant and haunting.

[Hubert Selby Jr, one of America's most important novelists]

what’s always in your fridge and cupboard and where do you shop for your ingredients

Honey, lemons, olive oil, and a good balsamico. They’re the essentials I use almost every day. When it comes to shopping, if it’s nearby and I can get in and out fast, that’s where I’m going.

do you have any essential kitchen tools you swear by

My hands. They’re the tools I trust the most; everything else just follows their lead.

when cooking, what’s usually on—music, a podcast, or a show

I don’t really listen to music or podcasts but I usually end up watching something while I eat instead, mostly shows like Somebody Feed Phil.

who do you typically eat with

Mostly by myself - I enjoy the quiet.

can you describe your lock screen

'Stop feeding your old way of life' written on it.

how would you describe your life

Blessed.

All images provided by Cristian

Editors Gabriela Calitoiu & Alinz