Archive for the ‘Hungary.’ Category

The Best Play in World History – Dóra Szinetár’s solo show – Budapest

Dóra Szinetár’s solo show - "MY LIFE" – an autobiographical stand-up and conversational evening in 
which the artist shares stories about her own life and its defining moments.
"The Best Play in World History", directed by Károly Ujj Mészáros — premieres on the 30th of October,
2026. at 7 p.m. Budapest's Centrál Theater.

On Preston Road in London, time comes to a standstill at 4.40 a.m. Existence freezes for everyone — 
except for Tom, a young writer; a schoolteacher who has moved into the house opposite his; and a 
married couple living next door. As we follow the fates of these characters—stumbling through a 
world where time has stopped—with laughter, the question inevitably arises: what is the purpose of 
our lives? It is a deeply human, sensitive story, rich in humor, in which the Voyager space 
probe—launched in 1977 - also plays a significant role. 

Update by Aggie Reiter

Premiere “Double or Nothing” – Budapest Central Theater

In a month, on the 13th of November, the Hungarian premiere of Double or Nothing will be held at the 
Budapest Central Theater. 

Woody Allen's two one-act plays are  combined into one play, and will be seen in this form for the 
first time in the whole world. 

Translated and directed by Dávid Puskás, a full-blooded comedy about the border between human 
relationships and dream realities arrives, in which no one is what they seem. Or what they believe
themselves to be. In the humorous frenzy of love, disappointment and desire, Nóra Parti, 
Steve Hajdu, Gábor Hevér, Kata Pálfi, Attila Magyar, Bence Szécsi and Mariann Hermányi willbe seen 
on stage.

"Dupla vagy semmi" (Double or Nothing) was created by adapting two one-act plays by Woody Allen:
"Old Saybrook" (2003) and *Honeymoon Hotel* (2011). In the first story, a dentist hosts his sister 
and her husband—a plastic surgeon. The situation descends into a classic, fast-paced comedy of 
errors and infidelity when the former owners of the house unexpectedly show up. The piece premiered 
in March 2003 at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York, directed by the author, as part of a 
collection titled "Writer’s Block" (which also included the play "Riverside Drive").
"Honeymoon Hotel"

Update  by Aggie Reiter

“Never Give Up!” – HollyShorts Film Festival Los Angeles

Tamás Yvan Topolánszky’s new short film

What happens when a clichéd motivational phrase, “Never Give Up!” is uttered in a completely different life situation?
When the same three words are no longer an inspiration for a nine-year-old boy, his last bond with his mother and is the hope for survival? He is a child who loses everything that once provided a sense of security does not think in terms of concepts or ideologies. They simply feel fear and loneliness, and a desire to survive everything happening around them.
The lead role is played by José María Gómez  Chema. 
A boy of Mexican descent who was nine years old during filming for whom “Never Give Up!” marks his first film role. His mother is portrayed by the award-winning Dominican actress Ariana Lebrón, whose credits include the series “FBI: International”.
This is what Tamás Yvan Topolánszky’s new short film, inspired by the 2015 Budapest refugee crisis and a forgotten American motivational speech. The film was selected among the ten best short films out of about 8000 entries at the HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, has since qualified for an Oscar, and is in competition for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
Update by Aggie Reiter

World of Roma Culture – Duna Art Ensemble @ MÜPA Budapest

Photo: Danube Folk Ensemble

The Duna Art Ensemble  new performance places this very diversity at the center stage, primarily through archaic dance and music indicting their latest production, titled *Cigányok arca – Romengi faca* (Faces of the Roma), which evokes the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Roma people of the Carpathian Basin through a combination of dance, music, poetry, and spectacular stage design. The performance spotlights the unique world, passion, fest for life, and social dynamics of Roma communities on the stage of Müpa in October and again in December 2026.

Can the soul of an ethnic group be captured in a single stage performance? This is the question the Duna Art Ensemble seeks to answer with its new production, *Cigányok arca – Romengi faca*. The show presents the many facets of diverse Roma artistry—primarily through archaic dance and music. Alongside dance and music, Roma poetry and visual arts also serve as important sources of inspiration for the creators.

This joint production by the Danube Folk Ensemble and the Göncöl Band is directed by Zsolt Juhász, with choreography by Tamás Farkas, Kristóf Fundák, and Zsolt Juhász. The performance also features actress Franciska Farkas, alongside István Szilvási, Pákó Horváth, and Dominik Balogh.

*The Face of the Roma* (Romengi faca) is presented as part of the Liszt Fest, organized by Müpa, on October 15 and 16, 2026, and subsequently on December 15 and 16.

Update by Aggie Reiter

 

The 10th Slovenian Film Days – Toldi Cinema @ Budapest

Thursday, October, 8.  7 p.m. and  Friday, October, 10. 7 p.m.
District, V., 36–38 Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road Budapest

Lea Cok, the lead actress of the award-winning film *Whites Washed at Ninety Degrees* (*A fehéret kilencven fokon mossuk*), will accompany her film to the 10th Slovenian Film Days—kicking off on the 8th of October. 2026 at Budapest’s Toldi Cinema. The actress won the Golden Mimosa Award for Best Actress for her performance in the role. Also screened at CineFest, this coming-of-age story, based on Bronja Žakelj’s autobiographical novel. It is a tale of perseverance and the hope that lingers even in the shadow of loss.

The event, jointly organized by the Slovenian Film Center, BudapestFilm Ltd., and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Budapest.

Three award-winning contemporary Slovenian films: “Wash Whites at 90 Degrees” (directed by Marko Naberšnik).

“Hidden Ones” (a Slovenian-Icelandic-Serbian co-production by Miha Hočevar) – Playful dramedy

“Land-Grabber” (a film by Žiga Virc) – bitingly humorous .

Update by Aggie Reiter

 

“Dolce Vita” Lifestyle – Lights, Colors, Scents – Castle Garden Baazar (Várkert Bazár) Budapest

District, I.  2-6 Ybl Miklós Square – Budapest

The latest joint exhibition by the Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian National Gallery and the Castle Headquarters, hosted in the heart of Budapest at the Várkert Bazár, evokes the essence of sun-drenched Italy and the “dolce vita” lifestyle. Italy has drawn travelers for centuries; its magical allure stems from a combination of factors: the proximity of the sea, brilliant sunshine, exquisite food and drink, sites of antiquity and Christianity, iconic Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and the art treasures housed in its museums and churches.

This free open-air exhibition is on view until mid-October on the ramp leading to the Gloriette.

Through the works of Hungarian artists, the exhibition brings the Mediterranean summer, the Italian spirit, and the travel experiences that shaped artistic perspectives to the banks of the Danube. Italy is not merely a travel destination but a recurring source of inspiration and a constant motif in Hungarian art—one that can even be detected in the depiction of domestic themes.

Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka painted “Coastal Town” during one of his trips to Sicily; the work depicts the colorful, tightly clustered houses of Scilla and the Castello Ruffo—a strategic fortress overlooking the Strait of Messina, towering atop a rocky crag. Gazing at the painting, one can almost hear the incomparable murmur of the waves and smell the salty sea air. The seaside also inspired Vilmos Aba-Novák to create art; his work “Harbour” features a lineup of colorful sailboats. Antal Ligeti’s “Isle of Capri” captured the beauty of the blue sky and the dazzling azure sea, as did Pál Szinyei Merse’s painting *Mare Azzurro*.

Iconic Italian destinations inspired numerous Hungarian artists: for instance, Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka and János Vaszary both immortalized the Sicilian town of Taormina on canvas, while Mátyás Triznya and Pál Molnár-C. painted the columns of the Roman Forum. István Csók captured a symbol of Amalfi—one of Italy’s most picturesque towns—in the form of its distinctive lemon variety: the elongated, rough-skinned “Amalfitano.”

The exhibition also features paintings by Béla Kontuly, István Pekáry, Gyula Kosztolányi Kann, and Károly Patkó, as well as a photograph by Frigyes Géza Haller, a prominent figure in Hungarian photography.

The open-air exhibition was curated by Adrienn Prágai, an art historian at the Hungarian National Gallery (MNG). The displayed posters are housed in ten illuminated frames, offering a magical experience—even during an evening stroll, within the rose-scented Neo-Renaissance Garden of the Várkert Bazár.

Descriptions accompanying the artworks are available In Hungarian AND in English as well.

More programs to visit will be coming up soon.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Herald News: “The Fifth Step” Centrál Theater @ Budapest

How can the most difficult topics be approached with humor? An excellent example of this is David Ireland‘s new hit play, “The Fifth Step”,  featuring two main characters … James and Mike who meet at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.  James, an alcoholics anonymous veteran, sponsors newcomer Luka. Their friendship faces a test when Luka’s fifth-step confession creates tension between them. Their conversations reveal far more than just a depiction of addiction. Addresses shame, friendship, and intergenerational relationships with sharp humor and deep human sensitivity.  Seeing two men, two generations, and two individuals whose fates have intertwined.  They navigate between lighthearted subjects and the most painful issues, the boundaries between helper and addict, and between father and son, begin to blur. Beyond the characters’ vulnerability and uncertainty, it is their razor-sharp humor that captivates the audience almost without them realizing it. “The Fifth Step” premieres on the 2nd of October starring Miklós H. Vecsei and Róbert Marton

The theater dedicates and performs this production in memory of the late Péter Scherer (“Pepe”), who had originally initiated the rehearsal process.

Mind the viewers to the fact that the text of the performance contains obscene language. The performance is not for viewing by those under the age of 16. The location of the creative photography was provided by the Hungarian National Gallery. Author David Ireland  – Translator Dávid Puskás  – Director Dávid Puskás.

Recommended by Aggie Reiter

A story of a new beginning – Linkin Park: Unshatter @ Budapest Cinemas.

Linkin Park: Unshatter, an intimate music documentary directed by band member Joe Hahn, opens in theaters worldwide on the 30th of  September, 2026. Following the band’s triumphant global comeback, the film chronicles Linkin Park’s journey of loss, perseverance and creative renewal, culminating in their explosive “From Zero” era and unforgettable concerts in São Paulo, Brazil.

Linkin Park is one of the most influential, successful and innovative bands of the last few decades. They have won the most prestigious awards since their debut in 1996. Their success lies in their meticulously crafted yet accessible lyrics and experimental nu-metal sound, which they have presented with the highest level of stage productions worldwide to fans who have followed them faithfully throughout their career. This relationship was abruptly cut short by the death of frontman Chester Bennington in 2017.

“The hardest part of ending a band is starting over,” goes the film’s motto. After a seven-year hiatus, the remaining members of Linkin Park found their own way forward. It’s an honest and detailed account that doesn’t hide the band members’ doubts, tensions, and reservations about change. New members Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, both with significant musical backgrounds, had to confront their own fears and the sky-high expectations of their fans.

Combining rare archival footage, candid behind-the-scenes moments, and stunning live performances, Unshatter follows Linkin Park’s journey from their early recordings in 2022, through the birth of the album “From Zero,” to their return to the world stage. The band members narrate the events continuously, bringing us closer to the band as they recover from the grief process. Brad Delson likened their story to the Japanese kintsugi: a bowl that once fell apart, but was put back together with love, friendship, and creativity, shining brighter than ever.

This documentary can be a lasting film experience not only for fans, but for anyone looking for an answer to how to start their life over again.

Tickts on the spot at the LURDY CINEMA – CINEMA MOM – GOBUDA CINEMA – POLUS CINEMA.

Update by Aggie Reiter

American Hostage Anthology Series @ HBO Max

Sharing press release about the coming up series of American Hostage an eight-part anthology series starring and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Jon Hamm. The first two episodes are available now on HBO Max, with additional episodes coming weekly.

Based on the first season of the hit fictional podcast of the same name, American Hostage is a psychological thriller set in the 1970s. The story follows the true story of Fred Heckman, a popular Indianapolis radio reporter who finds himself in the middle of a life-or-death struggle when hostage-taker Tony Kiritsis demands to appear on his popular radio news show.

Jon Hamm plays Fred Heckman, while Emmy nominee Giovanni Ribisi plays Tony Kiritsis. The cast also includes Kristoffer Polaha (Dick Hall), Emmy Award nominee William Jackson Harper (Ben Hairston), Mireille Enos (Barbara Heckman), Jonathan Tucker (FBI Special Agent Cormac McNally) and Kat Cunning (Ibby Hall).

The series is executive produced by Shawn Ryan, Eileen Myers, Sharon Hoffman, Jon Hamm, Connie Tavel, Marney Hochman, Shawn Christensen, Gabriel Mason, Jen Roskind , and Adam Arkin and Nina Lopez-Corrado , who also direct the series.

The world premiere was at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Ancient Rome Comes to Life @ the City of Pécs

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History Built from Bricks at the Cella Septichora – using 80000 piece of LEGO Bricks.

 Date: 9-10. October, 2026. (Friday–Saturday), 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Venue: Cella Septichora Visitor Center (Pécs – UNESCO World Heritage site).

The Cella Septichora Visitor Centre in Pécs invites visitors to a unique and groundbreaking community experience: on October 9 and 10, 2026, the famous fresco from the 4th-century Peter and Paul Burial Chamber will be recreated using 80,000 LEGO bricks. School groups, families, and individual visitors can all actively participate in creating this monumental work, which spans over 5 square meters. The finished piece will be on display until the 1st of  November at the site, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Building the Community of the Future Within sixteen-hundred Year-Old Walls  for two days in the walls of the ancient Roman necropolis and the visitor center’s glass-roofed space will transform into a realm of bricks. Visitors will assemble the fresco from the Peter and Paul Burial Chamber … one of the most beautiful monuments at this UNESCO World Heritage site pixel-by-pixel and brick-by-brick. The result will be a stunning LEGO mural measuring approximately 2 by 2.5 meters.
The program is being executed by the “tekerd!” group from the Nyíregyháza SZC Wesselényi Miklós Technical School and Dormitory. The group previously transformed Mihály Munkácsy’s famous painting *Ecce Homo* into a monumental LEGO mosaic.

Art, play, and charity all in one place. The event embodies the 1934 motto of LEGO’s Danish founder: *Leg Godt!* … meaning “Play Well!”

The goal is to bring the joy of building together to as many families and children as possible. This meeting of history and the contemporary play experience offers not only a stunning visual spectacle but also serves a significant social mission: following the event, all the bricks will be donated to institutions supporting disadvantaged children.
Márk, Managing Director of the organizer, Zsolnay Heritage Management Non-profit Ltd.
We warmly welcome anyone interested in building to join us over these two days!

Admission: 2000HUF (includes the joint building activity also a full tour of the Cella Septichora). Admission is free for children under the age of 6. Participation: Time slots for school groups are already fully booked, but individual visitors, families, and groups of friends are welcome to drop by anytime during opening hours on both days!

Update by Aggie Reiter