In its 40th season, Figura Studio Theatre will stage The Fair Hungarian Comedy, the only drama by Bálint Balassi. Directed by István Albu, the premiere will take place on April 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Öntöde Studio Hall. The next performance is scheduled for April 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

Bálint Balassi is regarded as the first prominent figure of Hungarian-language poetry. His only drama is based on an Italian pastoral play by Cristoforo Castelletti, which Balassi adapted into Hungarian language and culture. Although the title may be misleading to today’s audiences, it is important to note that in the terminology of the time, “comedy” referred to a dramatic genre, not necessarily to humorous content. The play is Balassi’s personal confession about unfulfilled love.

This is not the first time that Figura has staged The Fair Hungarian Comedy: the first performance took place on October 15, 1993, directed by Olga Barabás. That production was a kind of artistic statement from three young theatre practitioners – the director (László Bocsárdi), the stage director (Olga Barabás), and the designer (István Kövesdy) – expressing how they saw theatre and how they wished to present it.

From several perspectives, the play is a challenge for the company. Its language is elevated, and the plot requires little action, so it was a serious task to find a stage form that would preserve its poetic quality.

In the new production, director István Albu and dramaturg Csongor Czegő have placed particular emphasis on creating the right atmosphere. The story begins with a ten-year time jump, which the creators further developed: throughout the performance, time continuously passes and changes. This passage of time is highlighted by Erika Márton’s set and costume design, Zoltán Ferenczi’s sound design, and Mariann Gál’s makeup work. Six actors from the company take part in the play, including Gábor Kolozsi Borsos (as Credulus) and Gyöngyvér Vajda (as Angelica).

Although there are fewer performances scheduled in April, work continues behind the scenes. The Fair Hungarian Comedy will be performed twice: on Thursday, April 17, and again on Wednesday, April 23. At the end of the month, on April 30, Liliom returns to the stage, this time with Romanian subtitles.

In May, two guest performances will also be hosted at Figura: Clown Wanted (a production of the Gyula Castle Theatre) on May 5 at 7:00 p.m., and Determined (a production of the Tamási Áron Theatre in Sfântu Gheorghe) on May 8, also at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available in advance online at www.figura.ro or at the venue before performances. Reservations and further information: +40 752 227 011 or org@figura.ro.

This production is supported by the National Cultural Fund of Hungary, the Bethlen Gábor Fund Management, and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation.