The Kossuth award-winning actor says that the world misses most of all the large-format people who are no longer alive . Birthday interview.
György Dörner, director of the Újszínház, an unavoidable figure of the Hungarian art world, turned 70.
Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
I only have fond childhood memories. A soccer ball…
and football until nosebleeds, from sight to blindness.
This is one of my fondest memories. Then it's also a very good memory that I learned to play the guitar, because before that I could only play the harmonica. That's it in a nutshell.
When you were a small child, what did you imagine yourself to be like as an adult?
The same as when I was a child. Fatty bread, red pepper - we grew up on this, and for example, to this day, steak fat bread is my favorite. So I haven't changed much in that respect. (Name)
He turned 70, I wish him a happy birthday! This is enough time, if not for everything, but there is enough for it. Definitely to clarify some things in the person. Is there something you've been holding on to for a long time, but now you've let it go?
Well, for example, I used to hold on to the handle of the tram, because as the tram went, it sometimes shook, so it was normal to hold on to it, but now I let it go. (Laughs) I don't even know when I was last on a tram. And I'm the same with the subway handle...
Do you have a bad quality that you feel you could not change, but now you have learned to live with it?
I'm sure I won't say anything bad about myself, my ill-wishers will do that for me anyway. I don't need to get in line.
I can only say good things about myself.
(Name)
Which is the piece you could re-enact over and over again?
Karnyónét is sure.
Which work speaks to you most differently today than it did as a teenager or university student?
The hallmark of a good work - be it a play, novel, poem or whatever - is that it is always equally good. Ageless. No matter at what stage of life one encounters it, it is always of high quality. Beethoven or Bach can be enjoyed today just as much as when you were young. But I could also mention Rameau, who wrote brilliant music; little known, but great. Now, for example, I listen to his The Gallant Indians all the time, because I'm hooked. So everything that is truly good is timeless.
Who do you consider to be your greatest masters over the years?
It's a difficult question, because I think I should single out someone in relation to theater, performing arts or the college... I admit, I didn't really expect so many good things from the college, but I would definitely single out Dezső Kapás, it was a great meeting. I really, really liked him in college.
I didn't necessarily mean the artistic environment, but any area of life.
Oh, then I would definitely mention István Csurka.
Let's say he can even be connected to the college, because at the time when I was there, Csurka was a celebrated writer and theater author. We went to his dress rehearsals and shows - it was fantastic. The second or third time we greeted each other as acquaintances, which later developed into friendship.
It is true that you really liked MIÉP at that time.
I didn't love MIÉP, I loved Csurká... and I loved freedom... and I loved Hungarians.
And that hasn't changed to this day!
Have you developed a hobby over time that you never thought you would like?
Oh yes, it did.
And what is that?
I love sailing. I never thought that I would ever sail, and then once life brought me to sail one and I loved it so much, it's a miracle! (Name)
Is there a person in the profession - either an actor or a director - with whom you feel that your relationship could be even better?
I think it's fine the way it is.
At one time, they were attacked a lot because the Újszínház plays all Hungarian authors. Does this still hurt you?
Oh no! Even then it didn't really hurt, it was just damn hard to fight back the many snarls. It was difficult to defend yourself, because defense always indicates a kind of desperation, but if you don't defend yourself or attack back, it's as if you acknowledge the legitimacy of the attacks.
It was a damn hard period that can make the body and soul sick, but I'm over it now.
And speaking of Hungarian authors, who is your favorite?
Now, for example, I am in love with Ferenc Herczeg, one of his works is better than the other. In the theater, we don't necessarily play the dramatic, for example, recently I wrote a play from his short novel The Gate of Life. Just frenetic, great! So right now I'm singling him out, but I also really like Dezső Szabó - sooner or later I will write a play based on one of his works.
I also really like Wass Albert. The witch of Funtinel is a world number one.
He dubbed a lot at one time; who would you like to meet among the actors whose voices you lent your voice to?
Hmm... maybe I would like to meet Boleslav Polivka and Jerzy Radziwilowicz. Also, I have met Polivka before, but that was a long, long time ago. One of them is Czech, the other is a Polish actor, I would really like to meet them at any time.
What do you think is missing the most in the world?
Those large format people who are no longer alive.
Now that the crisis has permeated cultural life, how does this affect the Újszínház?
Like any other sector of cultural life. We are struggling with lack of money; we are faced with the lack of material things every day.
The last time I did a longer interview with you two years ago, you talked about the fact that there are no signs of a revolution, that a regime can only be changed by force, and that we Hungarians do not have very good memories of the peace agreement. Where do you think the regime change is now in cultural life?
It's very early, I see.
I would also like to ask about current affairs...
Order!
Two unfortunate accidents have upset the theater world recently. Has anything like this happened during your years in the profession?
Of course, actor accidents happen all the time. Someone falls off the set, someone gets stabbed with a prop dagger, someone breaks their leg or their head is torn open because they fall on stage. Unfortunately, such things happen. The theater is a dangerous business!
What do you think about Attila Vidnyánszky's resignation?
In my opinion, Attila Vidnyánszky is very suitable for
to decide the best way to handle this matter.
Recently, a scandal broke out at the Katona József Színház, because it turned out that the tickets were given 30% cheaper to DK party members. How about that?
No comments.
Indeed?
(Laughs) Really no comment. I have no opinion on it. I don't even notice, I turn my head away.
What do you think about the fact that L. Simon László had to leave the head of the National Museum?
I am quite underinformed in this regard. I don't see the things that got him fired or put him there. I can't form an opinion about something I don't know enough about.
If you could have one birthday wish for the Hungarian people, what would it be?
I would like an Eszterházy cake for everyone!
Featured image: György Dörner, Újszínház (Photo: Árpád Földházi)
