Budapest Hosts Prize Winning Art Performances

In a city renowned for its buzzing cultural scene, English speakers with a taste for the performing arts can enjoy a variety of English language productions in the Hungarian capital. The Merlin International Theater is a multicultural art center in Budapest, which regularly presents English performances, featuring international talent in contemporary as well as classic productions, often with a stylish twist.

The 2002/2003 English language season kicked off in September with Neil Simon's They're Playing Our Song while early November saw the presentation of Wild Bride or The Handless Woman, an abstract fusion of dance, music, poetry and comedy. British director Emma Rice, who recently won best director at the Barclays Theatre Awards in London, directs the play and has worked regularly with the theater. The theater's English language season is popular with foreigners working in Budapest, as well as tourists and students in the city. The highlight of the 2002/2003 season is likely to be the February presentation of the Tony and Pulitzer award winning play by David Auburn, Proof.

In addition to the featured performances listed, the theater has regular smaller productions in English and produces English language theater at other Budapest venues. Feature performances cost HUF 1,800 and English language subscriptions are also available. For more information contact the box office at 317-9338, or go to www.szinhaz.hu/merlin

Those interested in contemporary dance should visit the Trafó House of Contemporary Arts in Budapest's 9th district. This season features concerts and dance performances from the UK, United States and Australia. Watch for Black Honey Drops, a dance production exploring the erotic and surreal, on 22-23 November. Visit www.trafo.hu for more information.

November 2002
Edith Balazs