Vidnyánszky offers compromise on Theatre and Film University

In an interview with the left-wing nationwide daily, the chairman of the government-appointed board in charge of the Theatre and Film University strikes an appeasing note.

Theatre and Film University conflict rolls on

Reacting to a several thousand strong demonstration organised  by students of the university on Sunday, and to their already week-long occupation of their school, opposition-leaning commentators see their protest as harbinger of a new era, while pro-government authors believe they are manipulated by left-liberal intellectuals trying to protect their leading ...

Veteran pro-government actor calls for dialogue

Amidst what is widely seen as a pro-government takeover of the main Theatre and Film Academy from liberal-minded academic staff, a leading conservative actor deplores the lack of dialogue during the restructuring of the institution.

Dispute over University of Theatre and Film

A left-wing pundit accuses the government of trying to restructure the leading University of Theatre and Film university along ideological lines. Pro-government commentators, on the other hand, accuse the Left of using the university for propaganda purposes.

Vienna Burgtheater declines invitation to Budapest

Magyar Nemzet carries a bitter comment on an open letter by the Vienna theatre director who declined an invitation from the Budapest National Theatre, saying that he did not intend to risk the “good name” of his theatre.

Homophobic cultural commissioner wrapped on the knuckles

After a stormy reaction on the left to a rude homophobic remark made by special government commissioner Imre Kerényi, the leading right-wing daily runs a short editorial on its website repudiating both his words and his person in no uncertain terms, giving rise to speculation that “open season has been ...

Arts Academy, National Theatre and universities as battle grounds in the culture wars

A leading pro government columnist likens the current student demonstrations in Hungary to what happened in France in 1968 and warns the students that the organisers of this year’s “peace marches” (mass rallies in support of the Fidesz government) won’t hesitate to call for a third one if the need ...

Culture war around the National Theatre

A centre-right columnist welcomes the endorsement of the left-leaning director of the National Theater by a prominent right-leaning rock musician as a rare example of how to ease tensions between opposing camps.