Debrecen4U October 9, 2025

The Csokonai Theatre premiered with Bánk bán, and 160 years later, the same opera was performed again to celebrate the anniversary

A gala performance was held on Tuesday evening to mark the 160th anniversary of the Csokonai National Theatre. The theater recently underwent a major renovation, and its cultural strategic institutional classification shows that it has become a defining figure not only in Debrecen but also in the entire Hungarian culture.

On October 7, 1865, the Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen opened its doors with József Katona’s drama Bánk Bán. Now, 160 years later, the past and present have met again, as the opera, set to music by Ferenc Erkel, was staged again to commemorate the theater with a long history.

“Our theater has been home to stories, melodies, dramas, human feelings, and, most importantly, encounters for more than a century and a half. I believe that this is still our mission today. To be a meeting point between past and present, art and audience, Debrecen and the entire Hungarian cultural life,” emphasized Dániel Vadász, acting director of the theater.

“In the mid-19th century, the citizens of the city began building their own stone theater, with which they wanted to make a dream come true. At that time, this almost exceeded the city’s strength, but in Debrecen, the supporters of progress have always prevailed,” as László Papp spoke about this before the ceremonial performance. “The large-scale renovation completed in 2023 and the completely renovated building also show that the Csokonai Theater not only preserves its traditions but is also preparing for the future,” stated the mayor. “The Csokonai National Theater has always been famous for being a bridge between classical values ​​and contemporary aspirations. It bravely undertook experimentation, embracing young talents and supporting Hungarian theaters beyond the border. This diversity and courage made the Csokonai Theater a defining institution not only in Debrecen but also in the entire Hungarian culture,” pointed out László Papp.

The decisive role of the Csokonai National Theatre is also clearly demonstrated by the fact that in September it was the first provincial theatre to receive the status of a cultural strategic institution. “This decision means an increase in resources for the institution beyond its prestige, creating further secure frameworks for world-class artistic work and spectacular success. This consolidates the role that the theater itself has undertaken and with which the government fully identifies. The Csokonai National Theatre will become a regional, cross-border, cultural focal point,” said Magdolna Závogyán, State Secretary for Culture.

Bánk Bán, directed by Attila Vidnyánszky, will be performed throughout the festive season, and audiences will also be able to see 17 premiere performances.

Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu