Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
11. On the Stage - Theatre, Opera, Music, etc.
84 ON THE STAGE The Opera is particularly spectacular inside. Tours of the building are sometimes arranged, though usually only in Hungarian. Check with Tourinform (1). Special opera and ballet performances take place every year during the “Budafest” festival (July-August). Theatre The beautiful Arany János Theatre, 35 Paulay Ede u., near the Opera, is known as the children’s theatre. Performances are usually, though not always, geared to children. If there’s something well-known with a musical flavour, it might be suitable for foreign children. Otherwise, the problem is, of course, language. Another place to enquire about is the Sunshine Children’s Theatre [Napsugár Gyermekszínpad] based at the Gutenberg Cultural Centre, 2 Kölcsey u., Bp. VIII. The Merlin Theatre, entrance from Gerlóczy u. in central Pest, sometimes has plays in English. The "Rock Színház” at 22 Nagymező u., off Andrássy út, often has performances of well-known international rock operas, the music of which may be familiar to many children. In the summer the open-air theatres (e.g. on Margaret Island) get going. Some performances such as folk- dance shows, may be particularly good for children, and the fact of being outside adds interest for many children unfamiliar with the practice. Children’s Shows A number of artists and groups perform primarily, or often, for children, at different venues throughout the year. The names to look out for include the singers and entertainers Judit Halász, Bea Muszti and András Do- bay, Ildikó Vitai, Viktória Eszményi, and the bands Kaláka, Száz Folk Celsius, Bojtorján and Kormorán. Records and tapes of these artists can often be found in the shops. Classical Music For live performances, particularly for children learning to play an instrument, the Academy of Music [Zeneakadémia] in Liszt Ferenc tér is the place to go. These and
