Comedy Theatre of Budapest
Encyclopedia
The Comedy Theatre of Budapest (natively Vígszínház) is a theatre in Budapest
. Starting in the turn of the 19th and 20th century as an opposition to the conservative National Theatre
, it became a pioneer institution of Hungarian
drama, and one of the oldest theatres still in operation.
and Hermann Helmer who worked on over 47 state-of-the-art theatre buildings around Europe
. Its construction was financed by the tripartite ownership consisting of Count István Keglevich
, the writer Ferenc Szécsi, and local businessman Gábor Faludi
. I The destined area was a swampland before, but in the next few years it developed into the bourgeois Lipótváros
district. The construction started in 1895 and lasted for one year, finishing in 1 May 1896. With 3 main tracts: the stage, including the flies; the lower seating tract; and the entry hall; the building exemplifies late historicism, featuring large sizes, an elevated driveway and baroque decorations, often using golden coloring. As a distinct feature from contemporary theatres, the Vígszínház featured three rows of box seats, large corridors and public areas supported by several wide stairs to answer the call of rising social life in the rapidly developing Budapest.
(today Cluj-Napoca). He also brought his company of young actors, who were unknown to the Budapest audience at the time. They quickly created a unique and modern repertoire differing from the era's classical theatre, that featured both French comedies, contemporary Hungarian (starting the career of Ferenc Molnár
, Sándor Bródy
, or Jenő Heltai), and foreign (like from Irwine Shaw, Bertold Brecht, Anton Chekhov
) dramas. The Vígszínház provided starting ground and home for several of the biggest names of the theatrical world from the turn of the century, like Gyula Csortos
, Lili Darvas, Lili Muráti, Artur Somlay, Klári Tolnay
or Gyula Kabos
.
In the last days of World War II
, Jan 1 1945 the theatre was hit by bombshells, so the company moved to the Radius Movie Theatre in the Nagymező Street. The repairs began under the supervision of Oszkár Kaufmann. Along with other similar artistic institution, Vígszínház was nationalized in 1949 (before this time, it operated as a private theatre). It reopened in 1951 under the name Theatre of the People's Army. Regaining its original name in 1960, Vígszínház became the main center of contemporary drama again, showing plays from Hungarian authors like Gábor Thurzó, Gyula Illyés
, István Örkény
, or classical 20th century authors like Arthur Miller
or Friedrich Dürrenmatt
. In 1973 they premiered the popular Képzelt Riport egy Amerikai Pop-fesztiválról (An Imaginary Report on an American Pop Festival), resulting in several other musical productions under the supervision of Gábor Presser. The building underwent significant repairs in 1994.
With an average of 350.000 tickets sold each year, Vígszínház is still one of the most successful theatrical venues in Budapest.
Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary, it is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. In 2011, Budapest had 1,733,685 inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2,113,645 due to suburbanization. The Budapest Commuter...
. Starting in the turn of the 19th and 20th century as an opposition to the conservative National Theatre
National Theatre (Budapest)
The National Theatre is the main theatre of Budapest, and the largest such institution in Hungary, opening originally in 1837. Its company used several locations since then, including the original building at the Kerepesi street, and the People's Theatre at the Blaha Lujza Square...
, it became a pioneer institution of Hungarian
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
drama, and one of the oldest theatres still in operation.
The building
The Vígszínház was designed by architects Ferdinand FellnerFerdinand Fellner
Ferdinand Fellner was an Austrian architect. Along with Hermann Helmer, he designed several theatres and palaces across Europe in the late 19th century and early 20th century.Fellner was born in Vienna...
and Hermann Helmer who worked on over 47 state-of-the-art theatre buildings around Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. Its construction was financed by the tripartite ownership consisting of Count István Keglevich
House of Keglević
The House of Keglević is a Croatian noble family originally from Dalmatia, their members were pointed out in public life, also as soldiers...
, the writer Ferenc Szécsi, and local businessman Gábor Faludi
Gábor Faludi
Gábor Faludi, was a theatre manager in Budapest, Hungary, a founder and manager of the Vígszínház and a major player in the theatre boom in Budapest at the turn of the 20th century....
. I The destined area was a swampland before, but in the next few years it developed into the bourgeois Lipótváros
Lipótváros
Lipótváros is a traditional neighbourhood in the city centre of Budapest, Hungary. It comprises the northern part of District V , north of the Belváros. Lipótváros was established in the early 19th century, and became the political centre of Hungary in the early 20th century when the Hungarian...
district. The construction started in 1895 and lasted for one year, finishing in 1 May 1896. With 3 main tracts: the stage, including the flies; the lower seating tract; and the entry hall; the building exemplifies late historicism, featuring large sizes, an elevated driveway and baroque decorations, often using golden coloring. As a distinct feature from contemporary theatres, the Vígszínház featured three rows of box seats, large corridors and public areas supported by several wide stairs to answer the call of rising social life in the rapidly developing Budapest.
History
Mór Ditrói was the first director, coming from KolozsvárCluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca , commonly known as Cluj, is the fourth most populous city in Romania and the seat of Cluj County in the northwestern part of the country. Geographically, it is roughly equidistant from Bucharest , Budapest and Belgrade...
(today Cluj-Napoca). He also brought his company of young actors, who were unknown to the Budapest audience at the time. They quickly created a unique and modern repertoire differing from the era's classical theatre, that featured both French comedies, contemporary Hungarian (starting the career of Ferenc Molnár
Ferenc Molnár
LanguageFerenc Molnár was a Hungarian dramatist and novelist. His Americanized name was Franz Molnar...
, Sándor Bródy
Sándor Bródy
Bródy Sándor, or Sándor Bródy was a Hungarian author and journalist.After attending the schools of that city he devoted himself entirely to literature...
, or Jenő Heltai), and foreign (like from Irwine Shaw, Bertold Brecht, Anton Chekhov
Anton Chekhov
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was a Russian physician, dramatist and author who is considered to be among the greatest writers of short stories in history. His career as a dramatist produced four classics and his best short stories are held in high esteem by writers and critics...
) dramas. The Vígszínház provided starting ground and home for several of the biggest names of the theatrical world from the turn of the century, like Gyula Csortos
Gyula Csortos
Gyula Csortos was a Hungarian film actor. He appeared in 80 films between 1912 and 1944.He was born and died in Budapest.-Selected filmography:* A Vörös Sámson * A Senki fia * A Kuruzsló...
, Lili Darvas, Lili Muráti, Artur Somlay, Klári Tolnay
Klári Tolnay
Klári Tolnay was a Hungarian actress.-Life:Klári Tolnay was born on 17 July 1914 in Budapest, as the daughter of István Tolnay and Eleonóra Siess. She spent her childhood in the small village of Mohora, Nógrád county, on the estate of her father...
or Gyula Kabos
Gyula Kabos
Gyula Kabos was a Hungarian actor and comedian, widely known for his comedic movie roles in the late 1930s.- Early Years :Kabos was born on March 19, 1887, in Budapest as Gyula Kann...
.
In the last days of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Jan 1 1945 the theatre was hit by bombshells, so the company moved to the Radius Movie Theatre in the Nagymező Street. The repairs began under the supervision of Oszkár Kaufmann. Along with other similar artistic institution, Vígszínház was nationalized in 1949 (before this time, it operated as a private theatre). It reopened in 1951 under the name Theatre of the People's Army. Regaining its original name in 1960, Vígszínház became the main center of contemporary drama again, showing plays from Hungarian authors like Gábor Thurzó, Gyula Illyés
Gyula Illyés
Gyula Illyés was a Hungarian poet and novelist. He was one of the so called népi writers, named so because they aimed to show – propelled by strong sociological interest and left-wing convictions – the disadvantageous conditions of their native land.-Early life:He was born...
, István Örkény
István Örkény
István Örkény was a Hungarian writer. A typical feature of his plays and novels is satiric view and creation of grotesque situations.- Life :...
, or classical 20th century authors like Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller
Arthur Asher Miller was an American playwright and essayist. He was a prominent figure in American theatre, writing dramas that include plays such as All My Sons , Death of a Salesman , The Crucible , and A View from the Bridge .Miller was often in the public eye,...
or Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Friedrich Dürrenmatt was a Swiss author and dramatist. He was a proponent of epic theatre whose plays reflected the recent experiences of World War II. The politically active author's work included avant-garde dramas, philosophically deep crime novels, and often macabre satire...
. In 1973 they premiered the popular Képzelt Riport egy Amerikai Pop-fesztiválról (An Imaginary Report on an American Pop Festival), resulting in several other musical productions under the supervision of Gábor Presser. The building underwent significant repairs in 1994.
With an average of 350.000 tickets sold each year, Vígszínház is still one of the most successful theatrical venues in Budapest.
Pesti Színház
Pesti Színház opened in 1967 as the chamber theatre of the Vígszínház. With 530 seats it operates in the Váci Street.External links
- Official home page of the Comedy Theatre
- The history of the theatre by Emese Patkós (PDF file downloadable from the page)
Sources
- http://mek.niif.hu/02100/02139/html/sz28/274.html - Comedy Theatre in the Hungarian Theatrical Lexicon (György, Székely. Magyar Színházművészeti Lexikon. Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó, 1994. ISBN 9789630566353), freely available on mek.oszk.hu
- pestiszinhaz.hu article - History of the theatre on the official page