Margitai Ági Plaque

Was there ever a voice as captivating as Margitai Ági’s? Here, at the Margitai Ági Plaque on Teleki László Square, we remember a true giant of the Hungarian stage. This plaque, erected in 2017, marks her birthplace. It commemorates her incredible career and numerous accolades, including the Kossuth and Jászai Mari Prizes. Margitai Ági, born Ágnes Weisz in 1937, right here in this building, grew up under the shadow of the Erkel Theatre. As a child, she was mesmerized by ballet and opera, watching “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai” countless times. The family’s paper goods business faltered, forcing young Ágnes to work at fourteen. However, her passion for performance led her to folk dancing with the SZOT Arts Ensemble. Then came a remarkable opportunity. She applied to the Academy of Drama and Film, and was accepted without a high school diploma. It was a time when talent trumped paperwork, and Ági’s talent was undeniable. Her classmates included other future stars like Törőcsik Mari, Bodrogi Gyula, and her future husband, Fülöp Zsigmond. Even before graduation, Ági graced the National Theatre stage. Her graduating class’ performance of Brecht’s “Threepenny Opera” was a sensation, hailed as a theatrical revelation. Margitai Ági’s career spanned decades and stages across Hungary. From Pécs to Kecskemét, Miskolc to Szeged, Szolnok to Budapest, her powerful presence and distinctive voice resonated with audiences. She became a mainstay at the József Attila Theatre and later a member of the Mafilm company. Her roles were as diverse as her talent, from Shakespeare’s Rosalind and Kate to Chekhov’s Sonya and Arkadina. She embodied the strength of Brecht’s Mother Courage and the vulnerability of Shirley Valentine. She even tackled all the female roles in “Threepenny Opera”, showcasing her range and versatility. She was the first Jália in the first Hungarian musical, “Three Nights of One Love”. She brought life to iconic characters from “Hello, Dolly!” to “Mária Néni”. She was a true force of nature on stage. Margitai Ági never stopped learning and evolving. She embraced new languages and alternative theatre, always seeking new challenges. She believed that an actor’s journey required constant vigilance and adaptability. She felt that luck and chance played a role, but only in conjunction with hard work and immense talent. Here, at the Margitai Ági Plaque, we remember her not only for her awards, but for her enduring spirit. Her dedication to her craft, her love of the stage, and her captivating voice. She passed away in 2014, but her legacy lives on.