Star-Eyed Shepherd rehearsals begin at Szeged National Theater
One of the most popular works of Hungary’s folk-tale tradition, The Star-Eyed Shepherd, will premiere at the Szeged National Theater’s Grand Theater on February 20. The creators discussed details at the first table read earlier this week.
The production is directed by Róbert Markó and features a script by József Attila Prize–winning poet Balázs Szálinger, music by Grammy Award–nominated drummer Gergő Borlai, and choreography by Kossuth Prize–winning dancer and choreographer Andrea Ladányi. The theater’s dance ensemble also takes part in the performance.
László Barnák, general director of the Szeged National Theater, said the institution stages two children’s productions each season and seeks to offer a varied repertoire for younger audiences, ranging from dance and opera to contemporary adaptations of classic folk tales.
According to Barnák, The Star-Eyed Shepherd explores themes of power and authority, focusing on the relationship between those in power and the people under their control, and raises questions related to obedience and individual agency.
The production is being prepared alongside two other drama premieres running in parallel at the theater. Nikolai Gogol’s The Government Inspector will be staged at the Grand Theater (Nagyszínház), while Caligula’s Governor will be presented at the Chamber Theater (Kisszínház). Guest artists are also involved in the production of The Star-Eyed Shepherd.
Markó, who is also director of the Kabóca Puppet Theater in Veszprém, said folk tales can be understood as family theater, with story layers that address both children and adult audiences.
The visual design combines classical and contemporary elements. The set was designed by Mari Jászai Prize–winning artist György Árvai, while the puppets and costumes were created by designer Edit Szűcs. Both previously worked on the Szeged National Theater’s production of Somewhere in Europe.
Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
