Almost 50,000 people have already seen the National Theatre's monumental performance, the Csíksomlyó passion, which was presented with great success on the main square of Debrecen on Friday evening, the organizers told MTI.

On three stages set up in front of the Reformed Church of Debrecen, the actors of the National Theater, the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble and the dancers of the local folk dance ensembles – the Debrecen Hajdú Dance Ensemble, the Debrecen Népi Együttes and the Főnix Folk Dance Ensemble – performed together with the storyteller András Berecz .

The Csíksomlyó passion is a revival of Jesus' story of suffering and the hope of redemption, as well as a community experience of our national unity under the cross, the announcement states. Attilá Vidnyánszky , the general director of the National Theatre, the director of the Passion of Csíksomlyó, is quoted as saying: it is a huge job and responsibility to process a Christ theme in such a way that it is understandable, palpable, adheres to traditions at the same time, and at the same time can appeal to today's people. All this in one of the most important sacred places in Hungary, in the square in front of the great church in Debrecen. As he pointed out, it is a kind of mission to bring the theater to its place.

"You mustn't give up on quality culture, the task of the National Theater is to bring the wonderful Hungarian cultural and artistic treasures to as many people as possible," said the director.

Zoltán Zsuráfszky , artistic director of the Hungarian National Dance Group, co-director and choreographer of the piece, also sees the involvement of local amateur folk dance groups as a mission. He emphasized: the joy of joint creation, the transfer of knowledge, the involvement of young people is a positive feeling for them at all locations. "It's an uplifting experience for them and for us, I can see it in them, and since there is little time for rehearsals, I really respect the discipline and effort with which they pick up the rhythm and learn the choreography," the artist is quoted as saying.

The performance is based on three foundations, the school dramas from Csíksomlyo, Géza Szőcs and the folk songs and tales collected by András Berecz. The production will next be seen at the National Theater on September 10 and October 30.

Source: MTI

(Cover photo: MTI/János Vajda)