Dem. Theodorescu
Dem. Theodorescu (most common rendition of Demetru Theodorescu or Teodorescu, first name also Mitică; October 26, 1888 – April 11, 1946) was a Romanian journalist, humorist, and critic, remembered for his social-themed novels but also for his controversial political stances. A committed opponent of the National Liberal Party establishment, Theodorescu frequented the avant-garde and socialist circles. During World War I, he transformed himself into a supporter of the Central Powers, and lived the occupation of Romania as a collaborationist. Like his friend Tudor Arghezi, he was imprisoned on a verdict of treason, but pardoned in December 1920.
Dem. (Demetru "Mitică") Theodorescu | |
|---|---|
Theodorescu in 1937 | |
| Born | October 26, 1888 Roești, Vâlcea County |
| Died | April 11, 1946 (aged 57) |
| Pen name | D.C.H., D.T., D. Chirca, Toader Chirca, Fidelio, D. Ghirca, Nae & Mitică, Ion Olteanu, Rastignac, Ravaillac, Ravaiac, Teo, Todry |
| Occupation | journalist, critic, translator, radio propagandist |
| Nationality | Romanian |
| Period | ca. 1907–1954 |
| Genre | essay, political novel, satire, comedy, erotic literature |
| Literary movement | avant-garde Contimporanul |
Returning to the literary and political press, gravitating between Contimporanul, Adevărul, and Cuvântul, Theodorescu radicalized his vision of public affairs. He came to support fascism, and publicly praised the Iron Guard movement before and during World War II. In late 1944, the return of multi-party rule led to his marginalization and public condemnation.
Theodorescu's work as a satirical novelist was generally considered an extension of his journalistic polemics, although various critics and historians also made a point of noting the author's literary skill. Comprising three standalone books, but tied together as a "Mischianu family" saga, it stirred controversy for its political undertones and, in some cases, for its frank eroticism.