Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
11. On the Stage - Theatre, Opera, Music, etc.
ON THE STAGE 83 and both dose down during the long school summer break. Information about the programmes is given in the monthly “Programmes in Hungary”, though not the times of performances. These appear in the Hungarian- language “Pesti Műsor” and often in the English- language “Budapest Week”, though Tourinform (1) should also be able to help. Advanced bookings can be made and are advisable, but it is also possible just to turn up on spec. During the week both theatres are often full with schoolchildren, but even on these occasions it can be possible to find some empty seats. Hungarian State Folk Ensemble [Magyar Állami Népi Együttes] The Buda Vigadó concert hall at 8 Corvin tér is the “home” of the ensemble (walk along Fő u. from Batthyány tér, or one stop from there on bus no. 86). Performances take place throughout the year and, with the penetrating sounds of the folk songs, the drum-like pounding of the dance steps and the gipsy band, are very good for children of all ages. The village traditions appear somewhat incongruous on the conventional modern stage, but the show is always colourful, always lively and always spectacular. When the Ensemble is not performing, other folk groups often appear. Unfortunately, no lift for wheelchair access. Folklore Theatre Based at the City [Fővárosi] Cultural Centre, 47 Fehérvári út, Bp. XI (tram nos. 47 and 18 from Móricz Zsig- mond körtér, the former also from Deák tér, the latter also from Moszkva tér). Home of the Budapest Dance Ensemble, the Talentum Cultural Forum and the young Gipsy Rajkó Orchestra. Regular performances from spring to autumn. Other folk performances often take place in community centres (10), at the Ethnographical Museum (8) and in the open-air at Dísz tér in the Castle District (4). Opera and Ballet These take place primarily at the Opera House at 22 Andrássy út and the Erkel Theatre in Köztársaság tér.
