World-renowned
national and international artists, professional and educational institutions,
representatives admire the work of Robert Alföldi.
In Robert Alföldi's
tender more than 160 statements can be read in which leaders of international
theatrical and co-artistic institutions(artists, pedagogues) here and elsewhere
in the world said they will support National Theatre. Moreover the statements
and audience's opinion prove the success of the theatre, international
reputation, achievements of theatre eduation of young people, position and rank
of the National Theatre in theater culture.
Between the
statements there are some which are written by professional partners, experts,
artists who appreciate the work of past few years and who follow the life of
the theatre, know the nascent shows and agree with that spirituality and social
engagement which the theatre staff and the members of the company - headed by
the prinipal director - represent.
Below we publish some
excerpt from the scriptures and we gratefully thank the support for everyone
those who joined the competition with theire statements and of course for those
who express their support by ticket purchase.
László Arató, the
President of the Association of English Teachers:
"Those national
and world literature classics which were outstanding important for high school
teachers and students (and for education) were continuously available in the
repertoire under the leading of Robert Alföldi. In addition just few random
examples to mention - the Bank ban, The Tragedy of Man, The Three Sisters or
Hamlet - were so fresh and provocative and was staged in thought-provoking way.
Robert Alföldi really undertook the task to build a bridge between the origin
and the reception, the old times and modern times.The required shows were not
boring and dusty indeed the students had the possibility to meet the ethical
and aesthetic side of productions."
Beáta Asboltné
Czapári (teacher), Ágnes Schwarkopf
(teacher), Éva Szabóné (teacher), Kempelen High School:
"Me and my students
always go to the National Theatre with joy, happiness. The last four year
season confirmed that Robert Alföldi and his colleagues try to keep the meaning
of the theatre and to draw the attention to basic human values, moral laws that
make audience tolerant and curious.He pay attention especially for the younger
generation: for young people. There are many performances which I can choose
from as teacher of literature for my students ( Moliére: The Miser, Tartuffe,
Chekhov: Three Sisters, Shakespeare: Hamlet, Zsigmond Móricz: Úri muri, Sándor
Bródy: The teacher, András Sütő: Egy lócsiszár virágvasárnapja etc.) The
theatre had show from different literary work, form different ages. For
instance Schiller: Intrique and love. These performances show that the classic
works of literature are to be able to speak on the stage and that are familiar
to students. And they are able to encourage to think and talk."
Ilona Nagy
(professional coordinator), Alojzia Diósi (educational leader) (teachers of
Economical Polytechnic):
"We think that in
recent years National Theatre wants to introduce the world of art young people
and especially young people speking their language. There many activities by
which Theatre helps them to understand the language of the Theatre, the
relation between language and theatrical culture."
Dr. Árpád Kun Kékesi
(Associate professor), Gáspár Károli Reformed University:
"I really appreciate
the achievements of Robert Alföldi and I think his theatrical and directorial
activities are outstanding. Moreover I think the relation between the pratical
training of Master's students (Gáspár Károli reformed University) and his
National Theatre is exemplary. In recent year many students spent intership in
the National Theatre. They took part in projects. It was worth because it
brought considerable profit both for the students both for our school. And this
is the eloquent example of living blood cirulation. How to maintain
relationship with social environment: with people who deal with theatre as
complex branch of art in historical and theocritical view and with who are
interested in the world which is one of the extraordinary form of thinking."
Adrienne Darvay Nagy
(professional curator of former Hungarian cross-border theater nights, writer):
"Mr Robert regards the
nation just as unlimited as the theater. I witnessed last year wht the guest appearance of Robert Alföldi in
Romanian National Theatre Festivel meant for who arrived from other continent.
It was a great succes, intellectual and moral capital for Hungary."
András Urbán (head of
Kosztolányi Dezső Theatre in Subotica):
"As the head of
Kosztolányi Dezső Theatre I declare that I support Robert Alföldi and his staff
in the CEO competition. Moreover I can quarantee my willingness and intention
to cooperate."
Zsolt Bogdán (actor
in Hungarian State Theatre in Cluj-Napoca):
"What he as a
director, actor and above all a creator of such a good company has done and do
is exemplary. Moreover his enviable performance is more than that: It gives
hope and warrants that how somebody can set up a provocative, food for thought
theatre which is followed by both the audience and the professional member with
curiousity and interest. Our common interest is to see where the road leads
further."
Dr. András Visky
(writer, Babes-Boyai University - associate professor of Hungarian Theatre
Institution, art Deputy Director of State Hungarian Theatre in Cluj-Napoca):
"Robert Alföldi (as
the head of National Theatre) determined the role of National Theatre as the
instituion which constantly reflects to contemporary culture and cultural
heritage. This duality - tradition and modernity, hungarian theatre and world
theatre - compile the season. He asked diretors to bring shows to stage in this
spirit. (...) Robert Alföldi thinks National Theatre is not a museum but a
living, sometimes inevitably a 'tension creater' institution. A debate abou t
national identity or a public discussion is not unnecessary or non-pregnant
event of discourse but the existence of real culture."
Imola Kézdi (
Knight's Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit winner, Mari Jászai award winner
actress, the member of Hungarian State Theatre in Cluj-Napoca):
"Robert Alföldi
belongs to that woefully few theater artist who went to cross-border shows even
when he was not director just an actor or when it was not 'fashion'. Moreover
not only for guest performances but when he could he came with his colleguaes
because of professional curiosity. He watched our performances, follows our
individual results and he was loyal to us, he regarded us as equal peels as
usual. Since his theatrical perception is similar to ours I was happy when as
it turned out he could open the season by Uncle Vanya in which I am playing
too."
Csaba Székely
(writer):
"As a Transylvanian
hungarian I consider it is important to have a theatre not only which is ours.
I do not deny, I'm sensitive to the way our nation or national words are being
used, and I would feel very bad if we should be ashamed of the theater, which
the National flag bears. I am delighted that Robert Plain and colleagues
implemented the The National Theatre, which is worthy of the name."
János Háy (writer):
"The National Theatre
became the indispensable and guidance institution of theatrical culture. The
consistent, thorough work - that is specific there - and the intensive demand
for art can not be questioned. The quality of work has brought the recognition
of audience. Especially great that National staff touched high school students
who is really difficult trail in theatre but without them it is not conceivable
the theatre of the future."
Enikő Eszenyi
(managing director of Vígszínház):
"I appreciate Robert
Alföldi's mentality about the theatre, his ideas about art. He is one of the
greatest who the theatre is important for. I appreciate that National Theatre
became a 'new way seeker', 'artistic risk-taking' 'workroom'."
Tamás Jordán (the
head of Weöres Sándor Theatre):
"As a former head of
National Theatre I feel great responsibility towards the institution. I gladly
experienced that the first Theatre of Nation won a significant domestic and
foreign professional status."
Mácsai Paul
(executive director of Örkény István Theatre):
"The National Theatre
(I know from decades) is the most curious, the most exciting and professionally
is the most valuable recently. National Theatre is in the forefront now. Robert
Alföldi and his team played a great role in ascension of the Theatre."
Gábor Máté (the head
of Katona József Theatre):
"Robert Alföldi has
achieved that National Theatre is one of the most valid, traditionally
respectful, yet modern, 'look for new ways' theatre nowadays. The hungarian
theatrical profession's interest is to continue the work begun by Robert
Alföldi."
Áron Őze (the head of
Hungarian Theatre in Pest):
"In my opinion during
Robert Alföldi's leadership he has achieved what I think about contemporary and
classical, hungarian and foreing shows. I advocate this literature-oriented, 'open
to Europe', outstanding work."
Gábor Zsámbéki
(director, the head of Katona József Theatre 1982-2011):
"Robet Alföldi had the
courage in the past five years to solve the problems which was a challenge to
him. National issues and raising the professional level to international level.
National Theatre is an intellectual, produce outstandig performances and is
frequently visited. Natural acting troupe state is the proof of the quality of
the leadership."
Viktória Kulcsár
(President of FÜGE):
"We hope to continue
the exemplary work which combines contemporary and incremental progressivity at
the same time it gives the opportunity to ensure a program policy in which
contemporary national drama and universal classic drama can be found too."
Edina Bátyai (head
and organizer of Szegedi Szabadtéri Játékok és Fesztivál Nonprofit Kft.):
"Robert Alföldi's
shows are epoch-making in the history of Dóm square perfromances. Both the
audience and the press declared approvingly about the art and his innovative directorial
perception. The casting compilaton increased the success of performances. He is
a committed theater professional, charismatic, conscious personality with
strong will. His works are acknowledged by the audience. He wants to teach and
entertain at the same time. His works are thoughtful, conscious which regard
the public reception capacities, entertainment, love of theatre."
Mária Szilágyi (Head
of Contemporary Drama Festival):
"I think the
contemporary openness is important in Robert Alföldi's works: in every year
significant works drama literature can be found in the program. They look for
the answers of our present. They call for proposal drama. They are the first to
undertake to show domestic contemporary and foreign performances, give the opportunity
for readers theater productions, symposia, conferences. They are willing to
cooperate as partners and/ or host theater if cross-border or foreign countries
want to bring performance which enrich the repertoire or make people to know
the new tendency of world theater. National Theatre allowed Contemporary Drama
Festival theater professionals to organize Hungarian Showcase Program. Foreign
members of Visitor's Programme appreciated this generou participation."
Imre Bretus (art
curator, Tat Gallery):
"During the leadership
of Robert Alföldi National Theatre became the leader workshop of theatricals.
The field of progression and tradition. Moderate and value-added institution."
Dr. Piroska Ács (head
of National Theatre Museum and Institution):
"In the last years a
very good cooperaton formed between the OSZMI and National Theatre.the
promotion of contemporary French literature drama program started in 2010 which
is the common project of OSZMi, French Institute in Budapest and National
Theatre. Based on this cooperation we experienced that National Theatre manages
to do everything to find a way to young people."
Károly Kisari (The
President of Association of Down):
"During our common
work empathy, professionaism were characteristic of the team of National Theatre.
Theire service was high-quality. Moreover we have to mention the emphatic and
torelant skills we experienced toward disabilities."
Zsolt Tiba
(Calvinisti pastor):
"Robert Alföldi saw
that not only one type of human live in this country but many. We are different
with different problems and we want to solve the problems. A good example is
the Tragedy of Human which I watched twice. Secondly I sat on the stairs, there
was no place nowwhere else. Searching for the ultimate meaning of existence,
this is a huge thing, how much it is missing from this world."
Michal Dočekal, Artistic director of
the National Theatre, Czech Republic:
"I can say, I have good knowledge of
artistic state and results of Hungarian National Theatre and I’m cordially
expressing my support not only as a colleague but also as artist and spectator.
Alföldi is the best choice!"
Ian Herbert, International Association
of Theatre Critics, Honorary President:
"I highly appreciate
their artistic activity during the last five years. Over this period I have
been able to observe both the quality of Mr Alföldi’s work and the change it
has wrought, both in increasing the audience for the National Theatre, and in
boosting its reputation on the world stage."
Declan Donnellan,
Cheek by Jowl, Co- Artistic Director:
"Without
the generosity of spirit, the vision and openness of Mr Alföldi and his team,
companies like Cheek by Jowl would not be able to bring their work to Hungarian
audiences. Moreover, Mr Alföldi is a leading figure in international theatre in
his own right: his work is much lauded across the world and his career before
and at the National Theatre continues to be followed with increasing interest
by the heads of international organisations. He is a tremendous ambassador for
his country as his work receives global attention and praise."
Jutta
Gehrig, Goethe-Institut Budapest,
Director:
"During
his term of office, Mr. Alföldi designed a program whick took into account the
interests of a large and diverse audience. He managed to attract young people
with his new interpretations of the classics, which is one of the most
honorable and at the same time one of the most difficult tasks of a National
Theatre. From our experience in cooperating with the National Theatre, we can
definitely recommend him for another term in the position of general director
at the National Theatre."
Jean
Lambert – wild, director of Comédie de Caen, National Dramatic Center of
Normandy:
"Our
meeting in 2012 was the opportunity to discover the dynamism and quality of the
artistic project which you are spearheading and of which the programing and the
producing are very close to those which I aim to develop in France within my
theatrical institution. I am particularly keen on your ability to convey
classic and contemporary works in harmony, in combining tradition with innovation
and in opening your National Theatre ofEuropean productions."
Barbara
Lanciers, Trust for Mutual Understanding,
Program Director:
"As
a deeply invested observer and someone who regularly sees performance from all
over the world, I can say that Robert Alföldi and his team have left a profound
mark on the culture and reputation of the National Theatre, growing the
institution to a new level as far as the quality of collaborators it attracts
and, thus, the quality of work being produced. He has captured the excitement
and investment of a whole new generation of theatre-going audience of Hungary.
Mr. Alföldi has also enriched the climate of the National by opening its doors
to professional opportunities internationally and by bringing in guest artists
if the highest caliber - many of whom are his long-time colleagues and
collaborators. Mr. Alföldi has truly helped put the National on the map in the
global, professional theatrical arena and is constantly looking for ways to
continue to raise its profile. His level of passion, talent, and organizational
capabilities are unmatched."
Audronis Ligua,
Artistic Director of Lithuanian National Drama Theatre:
"As
Artistic Director of Lithuanian National Drama Theatre I think that we need
redefine a meaning of National theatres in nowadays especially those sociaties
learning democratic rules of existance in a global world. The challange is to
understand national in a spirit of universal humanistic values and stand for
them. I think this is the way Mr Róbert Alföldi and his team follow during
recent years of running the Hungarian National Theatre. Hereby I strongly
support Mr Róbert Alföldi efforts to continue realize his goals in the position
of general director at the Hungarian National Theatre."
Freo
Majer, ZukunftsFestivals in Potsdam, Direktor:
"Róbert Alföldi und sein Team haben das
Nationaltheater Budapest und somit die europäische Kulturlandschaft
außerordentlich bereichert. Mit einem anspruchsvollen, klug durchdachten
Spielplan, dem Erarbeiten starker, zeitgemäßer Regiesprachen und dem Einsatz
für ungarische wie auch fremdsprachige Autoren kann sich das Nationaltheater
unter dem Generaldirektor Róbert Alföldi hervorragend präsentieren und auch im
europäischen Vergleich bewähren. Es ist ein angesehenes, hochkarätiges Theater auf
der Höhe unserer Zeit."
Nada Matosevics, Hrvatsko
Narodno Kazalište Ivana pl. Zajca, intendantica:
"Having
an opportunity to work with Mr. Róbert Alföldi and his team, not only our
theatre (CNT Ivan pl. Zajc, Rijeka, Croatia) but Rijeka’s audience benefited
through presenting performances under his direction."
Dino Mustafic,
International Theater Festival MESS Sarajevo, Director:
"We
have been collaborating with the National Theatre for a number of years and
have had excellent results. Their performances have won multiple awards on our
Festival and they have been one of our strongest partners in Hungary."
Andrei Şerban,
director:
"The National became under Alfoldi’s
leadership, one of the most important theatres in Europe. People abroad
recognize both the courage to try to do new work and the good quality of the
performance. I personally had an immense pleasure working with this company, and
the constant full houses and the success we get, show that this is a place that
is healthy, popular and alive."
