Székelyudvarhely's dráMA Festival spotlights contemporary theatre

The 17th edition of the dráMA Contemporary Theatre Festival began in Székelyudvarhely on September 21, coinciding with Hungarian Drama Day. This year's festival focuses on contemporary Hungarian and Romanian drama under the theme 'Everyday (anti)heroes,' exploring vulnerability, according to Nagy Pál, director of Tomcsa Sándor Theatre.

Over six days, 17 productions are presented at venues such as Udvarhely Néptáncműhely/Mozi and Siculus Ifjúsági Ház, with additional events hosted at Szarvas restaurant. Mayor Szakács-Paál István, during the festival's opening, acknowledged ongoing challenges in the city's cultural infrastructure. Hungarian Consul Varga Ferenc highlighted the festival's role in promoting cultural dialogue, while Romanian Culture Minister Demeter András also addressed the audience.

The festival announced winners of the 6th dráMÁzat drama competition, organized by Szigligeti Theatre Oradea and Tomcsa Sándor Theatre. The competition attracted 186 entries across three categories. Renczes Csilla from Italy triumphed in the DEBÜT category with her play 'Mindent vagy semmit,' while Patik László from Hungary secured second place in the dráMAíró category with 'A. Szíve.' Teodora Savu won the draMAutor category with her work 'I will set this plane on fire.'

This festival not only celebrates the dynamic area of contemporary theatre but also is a launchpad for new talent, strengthening cultural ties between Hungary and Romania.