Szeged National Theater begins rehearsals for Russian classic comedy
The Szeged National Theater’s Kisszínház has begun rehearsals for Nikolai Alekseyevich Ostrovsky’s comedy The Forest, directed by Gábor M. Koltai in a Hungarian translation by Géza Morcsányi.
The lead role will be played by Gizi Fekete, a Mari Jászai Award-winning actress and honorary member of the theater. Guest performers include opera singer István Andrejcsik, along with Noémi Juniki and József Kosztolányi.
“Working with Russian authors is always exciting—they provide a rich source of inspiration for both creators and actors,” General Director László Barnák said as the 2025/26 season got underway.
Koltai said the play is rarely performed in Hungary and described it as a story centered on role-playing as a life strategy. The plot follows a wealthy landowner who sells pieces of her forest to fund her suitors, a pair of young lovers who meet there in secret, and two itinerant actors who become entangled in the lives of greedy and lovelorn landowners.
“This is a wild, passionately turbulent, yet very funny story,” Koltai said. He added that Ostrovsky’s work challenged censorship in Russia, led to the creation of private theaters and “paved the way for Chekhov” through its depiction of everyday conflicts and sharp social critique.
The production is scheduled to premiere Nov. 14 at the Kisszínház.
Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
