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rotting birds - Independent Theater Hungary

rotting birds

rothadó madarak

The tearful-laughing punk opera directed by Rodirgó Balogh is based on a true story and it’s focusing on the forgotten Roma author, József Holdosi’s work. Imre, the grandfather, sues his grandson, József. The grandfather believes that József in his novel called Birds has offended him, his deceased relatives, and his current wife. His social relationships have suffered, his personality has been damaged, and he even contracted a fatal illness due to the content of the book in question. According to József, the writer of the novel, the book is only the work of fiction, a figment of his imagination. Who is right?

The performance reveals the story of a family torn apart by generational curses. Is there a limit to creative freedom? What effects can be triggered in our families and communities, if we dare to talk about the ugly stuff?

„I’ve been thinking a lot about which part of my novel could have hurt my grandfather so much. Maybe the first ten pages. I think that’s all they’ve read...”

Creators

Writer:	József Holdosi, Rodrigó Balogh
Director:	Rodrigó Balogh
Cast:	Orsolya Balogh, Dávid Varga
Dramatug:	Tímea Éva Bogya
Music:	Dávid Varga, István Babindák
Set:	Péter Gyenei
Translation (English):	Viktória Kondi
By:	Independent Theater Hungary
Premiered:	Füszi, 27. March 2023.

trailer

Focus scene

Reviews

‘It's distressing that the depicted world doesn't evoke a bygone era for the viewer. Yet it's delightful how perfectly the ludicrous segments of reality are portrayed. Part of the text is sung. The brilliance of the idea is evident in the audience's uncontrollable laughter. Can a director receive greater acclaim? And can they trust that the piece will achieve its intended effect, prompting reflection on the life, situation, vulnerability, and sensitivity of the Roma? Can the theater be taken home, or is it naturally set aside upon leaving the performance space, like a temporarily possessed object? Like any worthwhile piece, Rodrigó Balogh's raises questions. A work of art.’

KULTURA.HU

‘Rodrigó Balogh conducted very thorough research, which is evident in every well-paced dialogue. Thanks to the precise dramaturgical work of Tímea Éva Bogya, the sung and spoken parts don't overflow but alternate in a steady dynamic. One merit of the performance is that it doesn't only focus on the Roma characters and the trial but also provides a snapshot of the justice system under the Kádár regime. One of the most important dialogues is when the judge, in the first instance, rules in favor of the grandfather, despite the often absurd arguments supporting the charges, simply because he is a worker, while the defendant is an intellectual.’

NÉPSZAVA

Materials to read

excerpts from the play

In case you would like to request availability to the full play and/or the full video about the performance, write an email to info@romaheroes.org and describe the aim of your request!

IN ENGLISH