Why does this statue of Dériné Széppataki Róza stand here? It commemorates a pioneering figure in Hungarian theater and opera. Dériné Széppataki Róza was Hungary’s first acclaimed female opera singer. She became the best-known actress of early Hungarian theater.
Born Rozália Schenbach in 1793, Dériné’s early life was marked by hardship. Her father died when she was only five. Her mother struggled to maintain their livelihood. Rozália found solace in stories of the Budapest theatrical scene. Mr. Gruber regaled her with tales. She dreamed of joining the world of actors.
Against her mother’s initial wishes, Rozália pursued her passion. She joined the National Players Company of Pest. Early disappointments fueled her determination. Rozália learned the basics of acting from Mrs. and Mr. Murányi. Success came slowly but surely.
On the advice of director József Benke, she changed her name. Széppataki became her Hungarian stage name. She took roles as an actress and sang in choirs. Dériné Széppataki Róza worked hard.
At the time, Hungarian theater faced challenges. It was often overshadowed by German productions. The Reform period of the 19th century brought change. City mansions and country chateaus opened their doors to Hungarian troupes. Young Rozália’s fame grew.
In 1813, she married István Déry. They soon separated due to alleged mistreatment. Though never officially divorced, she became Dériné. It meant Mrs. Déry. The name became her pseudonym for life. Dériné left Pest in 1815.
She embarked on a life as an itinerant actor. She toured major cities in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Kassa, Brassó, Pécs, Debrecen and Kolozsvár all saw her shine. She became the first widely known actress in the country. Her name alone drew large crowds. Numerous paintings and poems celebrated her.
In 1837, Dériné returned to Pest. She joined the Pesti Magyar Színház. It later became the National Theatre of Hungary. A great flood in 1838 devastated Pest. Dériné’s apartment was also hit. She was rescued days later. The accident took a toll. She lost her voice for months. Relations soured with the theater company. Feeling neglected, Dériné toured again.
As her success waned, she auditioned for roles. Critics found her style outdated. She retired in 1847. Dériné then lived with her estranged husband in the countryside. After his death, she moved to Miskolc.
In 1868, she took a final role. She portrayed an old nun. Witnesses described her acting as strong and vivid. Dériné wrote her life’s story before dying in 1872. Her memoir remains an important source on early Hungarian opera.
Nearly 50 years later, she was re-buried in Budapest in 1921. Her former home in Diósgyőr is now a museum. This statue of Dériné Széppataki Róza stands as a testament to her legacy. It is a reminder of her pioneering spirit. The statue was re-carved by Polgár Botond. Ligeti Miklós modeled Dériné’s face on Bajor Gizi. She played Dériné with great success.