Debrecen4U
June 24, 2026
Vojtina Puppet Theatre Reviews 50th Anniversary Season
The 50th season of Vojtina Puppet Theatre saw a wide range of major cultural events. Alongside performances, there were exhibitions, festivals and a birthday gala enriching the anniversary season. At the season-closing event, Director Terka Láposi said that the past five decades had created the values and professional foundations upon which the company intends to continue building in the future.
A 12th-century tale of chivalry in a 21st-century guise – Vojtina Puppet Theatre brought the story of Tristan and Isolde to the stage in the form of visual theatre. One of the key objectives of this anniversary season was to broaden the theatre’s appeal to young people and adult audiences alike. This ambition was also reflected in the production The Dragon King, which recently enjoyed great success at the National Meeting of Puppet Theatres in Kecskemét. “Kecskemét was fantastic. Precisely because it reflected back to us the joy and realisation we have experienced over the past two years since the premiere of The Dragon King, showing why it is important for us to open up beyond our own limits and traditional age groups,” said Terka Láposi, Director of Vojtina Puppet Theatre.
The season’s figures speak for themselves: across its two venues, Vojtina staged 530 performances, attended by almost 42,000 people. The company also had 6,800 season ticket holders during its anniversary year. The guiding concept of the fiftieth season was “bringing forth.” The company reflected on the values and experiences of the past five decades while also showcasing its own diversity to the wider public.
“Vojtina Puppet Theatre is such an exciting part of Debrecen’s artistic and cultural life because, through its experimental, investigative and reflective approach, it continually raises new questions and finds new ways of engaging with the issues that shape our lives today,” emphasised Deputy Mayor István Puskás.
The season-closing event was not only about reviewing the achievements of recent months. Questions concerning the future of Hungarian theatre also formed part of the discussions. The Hungarian Theatre Society is currently working through several professional working groups to formulate recommendations for cultural policymakers. This was highlighted by Anikó Asbóth, former Director of Vojtina Puppet Theatre, who participates in the process as the leader of one of the working groups. “We are striving to do this properly and to clearly articulate, from the profession’s perspective, that there are three key concepts which are essential: transparency, predictability and self-governance,” she said.
During the season-closing company meeting, municipal and theatre awards were presented, and staff members who have now spent 25 years with the company were honoured. Even after the conclusion of the anniversary season, the company will not be resting for long. This weekend they will perform in Veszprém, where they are scheduled to stage five performances over the course of three days.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
