Contemplate this striking modern structure before you. This is the National Theatre. It stands as a testament to Hungary’s rich theatrical history. The National Theatre has had several homes.
The first National Theatre opened in 1837. It was located at Kerepesi Street. In the early 20th century, it was replaced. The replacement was the People’s Theatre. It stood at Blaha Lujza Square.
In 1963, authorities decided to demolish the People’s Theatre. They cited metro line construction. The National Theatre then moved to temporary locations. It moved first to Nagymező Street. Then it moved to Hevesi Sándor Square.
Plans to build a new theatre near Erzsébet Square failed. Finally, construction began in 2000. The location was south of the historic center. The National Theatre opened on March 15, 2002. The opening was with Imre Madách’s “The Tragedy of Man”.
Mária Siklós designed the National Theatre building. It is a modern structure with historical references. The facade has an arc-shaped glass frontage. Statues of the nine muses adorn it. A curved frame tops the building. It creates the illusion of a dome.
The National Theatre has three venues. The main auditorium seats 619 people. It features a traditional layout. There are three rows of balconies. It even has three royal boxes. The main stage is 24 meters wide. It has a height of 28 meters.
Péter Török designed the park around the National Theatre. It features statues of Hungarian actors. Miklós Melocco created a gate draped in a stage curtain. The park also features a mock bow of a ship. It seems to cleave through a pond. Emerging from the water is a model of the People’s Theatre facade. The park also houses a maze and the Ziggurat. The Ziggurat is an exhibition venue. It houses the National Theatre’s gallery. A ramp spirals to the top. From there, you have nice views.
The National Theatre stands on the bank of the Danube. It is in the Ferencváros district. The address is Bajor Gizi park 1. It is a short walk from the Csepel HÉV suburban railway. A memorial to the Old National Theatre is on the grounds.
The theatre covers 20844 square meters. This includes an open-air stage. The building has three parts. There is a central unit. It includes the auditorium and studio stage. There are gangways and public areas. Horseshoe-shaped servicing areas are included. The surrounding park is the third part. The park contains memorials to Hungarian drama and film.
György Schwajda became the first director. Attila Vidnyanszky leads the National Theater since 2013. His term extends until 2028.
The studio hall is named after actress Hilda Gobbi. The Attila Kaszás hall functions as a rehearsal and performance space.
The stage technology is outstanding. There are 75 types of lamps. 100 are programmable. Sections of the stage can be lifted and lowered individually.
Take a moment to appreciate this cultural landmark. The National Theatre represents Hungarian artistic expression. Its architecture and park offer much to discover. From its tumultuous history to its modern presence, the National Theatre is a beacon of theatrical art.