Bánk bán

Katona József’s Bánk bán was first published in 1819 but has become a national treasure of Hungarian literature only after the revolution from 1848. Erkel Ferenc, the composer of Hungary’s national anthem wrote his most famous opera based on this drama. A story full with schemes and intrigues, this historical play is also a severe criticism on foreign oppression and hence a relevant piece even today.

Andrew II goes off to war and leaves the country under the control of his wife, Gertrude. She takes advantage of the occasion and decides to distribute the goods of the kingdom between his boot-lickers. Bánk bán secretly returns to the royal court to find a cesspit of Hungarian lords that are planning a boycott against the queen, but also Otto, the cardinal, who is desperately trying to seduce his wife, Melinda... Bánk feels torn between two worlds as he realises that his personal dilemmas differ immensely from what he needs to do as a politician.

Urbán András (1970, Senta) at the age of 17, established an independent theatre and literal workshop, where he contributed as a writer, director and actor. Then, together with his friends, he launched the group AIOWA that represented a type of theatre that is both a peculiar, universal artwork and an ideological action. He participated in several experimental and movement based courses. He became the member of the Summer Movie Theatrical Association and is still a participant and organiser in the Body Weather Laboratory workshops that are the artistic projects of Summer Movie. He graduated from the University of Arts in Novi Sad, where he studied theatre and film direction. He started working in the Popular Theatre of Subotica as a student. Since 2006 he is the artistic director of the Kosztolányi Dezső Theatre.

The first performance that premiered at the Theatre of Novi Sad was Catsplay by István Örkény in 1974. The all-time aim of the institution is to bring together the best directors and artists in order to create a rich and colourful repertoire. Everyone who’s ever worked there is always happy to return: the team spirit and perseverence of the company is the reason why so many of our shows are presented at festivals around the country and in Hungary. They present five premieres each season and keep at least another five running throughout the year. It is their goal to showcase productions for all types of theatre-goers. Once a year they premiere a musical type of show with a huge cast but we also make place for the classics. They find it important to inspire and promote the work of authors living and working in Voivodina as well. The Theatre of Novi Sad belongs to the Hungarian National Council.