The Deszka Festival, a celebration of contemporary Hungarian drama, opens with an official ceremony on Tuesday afternoon in Debrecen. The event is being held for the 16th time, the organizers told MTI.
As previously announced, one of the most important showcases of contemporary Hungarian drama will feature a selection of the latest Hungarian-language theatre productions premiered up to September 2025. The program includes performances from repertory theatres, independent companies, and Hungarian theatres beyond the borders on an equal footing.
During the six-day event, audiences can watch 18 performances at the Csokonai Nemzeti SzĂnhĂĄz and the Vojtina BĂĄbszĂnhĂĄz, with offerings for adults, youth, and children alike.
Participating companies include the Katona JĂłzsef SzĂnhĂĄz, the Miskolci Nemzeti SzĂnhĂĄz, the SzkĂ©nĂ© SzĂnhĂĄz, 6SZĂN, Dante Casino, and Exit GenerĂĄciĂł. Hungarian theatres from beyond Hungaryâs borders are represented by the KolozsvĂĄri Ăllami Magyar SzĂnhĂĄz and the KosztolĂĄnyi DezsĆ SzĂnhĂĄz.
As host, the Csokonai National Theatre of Debrecen will present two productions: ±ÊŽÇ°ùłÙłÜȔå±ô and Nem akarok felnĆni.
The festival once again includes the görDeszka program for younger audiences, featuring performances by the Vojtina Puppet Theatre, the Budapest BĂĄbszĂnhĂĄz, Mesebolt, CirĂłka Puppet Theatre, and several youth companies, addressing themes such as relationships, adolescence, and growing up from a contemporary perspective.
The Deszka Festival program also features professional discussions, book launches, and audience meetings. The Csokonai Actorsâ Band will give a concert, and a special discussion will be held with director Attila VidnyĂĄnszky Jr., the festivalâs guest of honor. Students of the SzĂnhĂĄz- Ă©s FilmmƱvĂ©szeti Egyetem will also participate with a performance exam production.
