13th Madách International Theatre Meeting

In 2014, as preparation for the first MITEM, the March issue of Szcenárium had two quotations by Eugenio Barba chosen as a motto for the professional programme titled Identity – Sacrality – Theatricality, both taken from the 1993 book titled Paper Canoe. The same issue also included an interview with the director made in 1985, that is prior to the regime change, on the occasion of Odin Theatre’s first appearance before the Hungarian audience, by The Gospel according to Oxyrhincus at Szkéné Theatre, in the autumn. Now, having seen the MITEM 2019 productions, we think it is worth taking stock of these dates and the changing of times.

Now, that it is April 2022 already, the directors and dramaturges at our theatre are becoming increasingly interested in the focus of the Theatre Olympics to be held in Hungary in 2023. What is the motto that best suggests the present state of our globalized world? What are the universal concepts by which the mission of today’s theatre can be redefined? The Tragedy staged by Silviu Purcărete at MITEM VII, which took place between September 14 and October 9 last year, may even be considered as the harbinger of the Theatre Olympics because the year 2023 will also see the bicentenary of the birth of Imre Madách. So let us start our regular flash report with this production.

The National Theatre has noted the message conveyed by the provocative political performances following the two Lithuanian stage productions ("Between Lena's Legs..." and "Delhi Dance") at MITEM (Madách International Theatre Meeting) on 26 April 2022.

I. TWENTY YEARS AGO - The new National Theatre opened on 15 March 2002. After 165 years, the country's premier theatre found its permanent home in a building actually constructed for the purpose. We commemorate the events of twenty years ago with an exhibition introducing the building and recounting the story of the opening performance.  II. STRAIGHT FROM THE STUDIO - Exhibition by the Visual Design students of MATE Rippl-Rónai Art Institute, Kaposvár Campus

Never has it been as important as now to promote the idea of togetherness and of sticking together, when our world is torn apart by war. A war that drives nations apart, forces communities to stay away, and renders values and ideas relative for a time. For a time. Because destruction must be challenged - holding our heads high and demonstrating that art can keep and sustain us.

Venue: In front of the National Theatre and in the bow (1095 Budapest, Bajor Gizi park 1.) In the bow, you could see an excerpt from our upcoming production of BACCHAE. Then the MITEM flag will be raised to officially start the festival! 

On 24 April 2022, you can also join the National Theatre & Hungarian Interchurch Aid fund-raising project and pledge donations for the refugees fleeing the war. You can donate to the people who need your support by using the National Theatre's charity boxes and the Hungarian Interchurch Aid payment terminals. Download and print your free tickets! 

The organisers and the representatives of Hungarian partner theatres will talk about the preparations for the Hungarian Theatre Olympics and the planned programme.  Moderator: György Lukácsy. With simultaneous Hungarian and English translation. Registration: szervezes@nemzetiszinhaz.hu

In our 'time out of joint', humankind has no shared points of reference, no shared notions, no shared truths. The youngest generation is roaming around in this confusion of Babel, trying to find truth, faith, a goal in life for itself, as it was 'born to set it right'.  Round table participants: Gábor Tompa, András Both. Moderator: András Kozma.