Debrecen4U
May 5, 2025
Starting in June, the 75-year-old Nagyerdei Open-Air Stage will welcome audiences again
The anniversary season will feature comedies, concerts, musicals, and dance productions for visitors to enjoy. It kicks off on June 4, on the Day of National Unity.
Seventy-five years ago, in 1950, Debrecen’s only open-air stage was inaugurated with Zoltán Kodály’s Székelyfonó. In this anniversary year, folk dance will again play a prominent role, with the Debrecen Folk Ensemble participating in the season’s opening production. The ensemble is also celebrating its 75th anniversary, and some of its founding members were present at the first performance at the Open-Air Stage.
Art Director Vilmos Hercz pointed out that back then, the Debrecen Folk Ensemble performed “Székelyfonó,” with even Zoltán Kodály attending the show. In honour of this milestone, the ensemble has decided to revive its production “13 Almafa,” which strongly features Székely dances.
The new season of the Nagyerdei Open-Air Stage will begin on June 4, on the Day of National Unity. For this occasion, an exceptional performance titled “Lélek-fonó” will feature the Debrecen Folk Ensemble and the Hajdú Dance Ensemble members.
Zsuzsanna Tiszai, Art Director of the Debrecen Hajdú Dance Ensemble, emphasised that the ensemble expresses and conveys thoughts and feelings about freedom in the show. Through the language of dance, they explore external and internal struggles, conflicts, and battles.
The anniversary season will feature around 17 productions, including 7 drama performances, 5 musical productions, 2 dance shows, and 3 concerts, ensuring a diverse and colourful lineup.
Szabolcs Mátyássy, Director of the Csokonai National Theatre, said that only performances of considerable national calibre will be presented this year. They also paid special attention to entertaining various styles.
During the press conference introducing the anniversary season, Mayor László Papp emphasised the significance of cultural developments and investments for the city.
The mayor pointed out that these are probably the things we will all remember. Factories and jobs are certainly important, but the places where experiences are born, emotions arise, and people feel joy and comfort are perhaps the most valuable developments.
The anniversary season will also feature productions such as “Hello Erkel!” from Erkel Theatre, “Edda Musical” from Szigliget Castle Courtyard Summer Theatre, and “The Three Musketeers—or The Queen’s Necklace” by the Pécs Ballet.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
