Móricz Zsigmond Színház

In the heart of Nyíregyháza, Hungary, stands the Móricz Zsigmond Színház, a beacon of cultural heritage and artistic excellence. This theatre, with its rich history and captivating performances, is a must-visit for any theatre enthusiast or cultural explorer.

The Origins of Móricz Zsigmond Színház

The story of the Móricz Zsigmond Színház begins in the late 19th century. Initially, the citizens of Nyíregyháza enjoyed performances in summer theatres, a common architectural style of the era. However, in 1869, the city council decided it was time to establish a permanent Hungarian theatre. The first permanent theatre was built in 1873, part of the Hárs Inn, a simple wooden structure that served the community for two decades.

In 1893, the Theatre Building Joint Stock Company was founded, with strong support from the city and financial backing from the Nyíregyháza Savings Bank. Architect Ignác Alpár designed the new theatre building, which opened its doors on February 6, 1894. The initiative was led by Gyula Somogyi, the city's first notary, who, along with jeweler Gusztáv Kubassy, donated the land for the theatre.

A Theatre with a Storied Past

The theatre quickly became a central part of Nyíregyháza's cultural scene. However, financial difficulties soon plagued the Theatre Building Joint Stock Company, and after three years, the city took over ownership for 25,000 forints. On October 2, 1898, the theatre officially became a municipal theatre under the direction of János Komjáthy, who managed it rent-free for three years. The theatre saw a succession of directors and faced interruptions during World War I and the interwar period.

In the years following World War II, the theatre operated intermittently as both a cinema and a theatre. The building underwent significant renovations from 1955 to 1960, increasing its seating capacity from 450 to 508 and updating its facilities. Despite these changes, it wasn't until 1980 that the theatre established a permanent company, marking a new chapter in its history.

The Birth of Móricz Zsigmond Színház

Originally intended to be named after Gyula Krúdy, the theatre was ultimately named Móricz Zsigmond Színház in 1960, coinciding with its reopening after extensive renovations. The theatre's inaugural performance in its new guise was Erkel Ferenc's Bánk bán on March 25, 1960. Over the next two decades, the theatre hosted performances by the State Déryné Theatre and other companies, with a focus on both dramatic and musical productions.

In 1979, the regional leadership decided to establish a permanent company, leading to further renovations and expansions in 1980. The theatre's first permanent director, István Bozóky, was appointed in the summer of 1980, and by October 17, 1981, the theatre reopened with a performance of Mihály Vörösmarty's Csongor and Tünde. This period also saw the construction of the actors' house and the Krúdy studio stage, further enhancing the theatre's facilities.

A Hub of Innovation and Creativity

From 1984 to 1990, under the leadership of director Péter Léner, the theatre became known for its original and experimental productions. Working with renowned directors such as László Mensáros, Erzsébet Gaál, and Ivo Krobot, the theatre pushed the boundaries of traditional theatre. In 1988, Léner staged Géza Páskándi's The Five Hundred Gravediggers under the title Long Live the Theatre, an event that Wisinger István described as a significant moment in theatre and political history.

The 1990s brought further changes, with Sándor Csikos taking over as director in 1990. His tenure focused on adapting the theatre's mission to the post-communist era, emphasizing a closer connection to contemporary realities. In 1993 and 1996, István Verebes won the directorship, bringing bold and successful productions to the stage, and leading the company to numerous festivals.

Modern Developments and Continuing Legacy

The turn of the millennium saw another round of renovations from 2000 to 2001. The reopening celebrations included street musicians, puppeteers, and stilt walkers, transforming the city center into a vibrant festival. This event led to the creation of the VIDOR Festival (National Festival of Joy and Cheerfulness) in 2002, which has since become a beloved annual tradition.

In 2010, the theatre transitioned to a non-profit organization, with Róbert Kirják as the managing director. The theatre continued to evolve, with significant leadership changes in 2015 and 2017, including the appointment of Pál Göttinger as chief director and Illés Horváth as artistic director. In 2021, the theatre collaborated with the National Film Institute on a film project set in the Nyíregyháza Zoo, showcasing the versatility and talent of the theatre's company.

The Architectural Marvel of Móricz Zsigmond Színház

The theatre building itself is a testament to 19th-century architectural elegance. Designed by Ignác Alpár, the single-story structure features a central projection with three openings and a seven-bay façade. The entire interior is crafted from wood, with seating for 150 on the ground floor, twelve ground-floor boxes, ten upper boxes, and balconies. Initially designed to accommodate 610 people, it comfortably seats 450. Over the years, the building has undergone several renovations, including the introduction of electric lighting in 1905 and major refurbishments in 1923 and 1955-1960.

Today, the Móricz Zsigmond Színház stands as a vibrant cultural institution, offering a diverse range of performances and continuing to captivate audiences with its rich history and artistic excellence. Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or a curious traveler, a visit to this historic theatre promises an unforgettable experience.