János Kulka was chosen as the Actor of the Nation, the National Theater announced on Friday. The title holders chose a new member after the death of Géza Tordy.

"János Kulka is a Hungarian dramatist, winner of the Tamás Kossuth and Jászai Mari awards, a worthy and excellent artist, a permanent member of the Society of the Immortals. The title of Actor of the Nation can be awarded to the artist chosen by the holders of the title for outstanding activities in the field of Hungarian theater, the development and popularization of national theater, the interpretation of national literature and the cultivation of the Hungarian language. A maximum of twelve people can hold the title at the same time, and if one of them dies, the other holders of the title decide who can take the vacant place. János Kulka was chosen to replace Géza Tordy, who died on March 30," reads the Facebook page of the National Theatre.

As is well known, Géza Tordy died on March 30 at the age of 85, who would have celebrated his birthday a few days ago. After his death, the holders of the title of Actor of the Nation met to choose a new member.

Current holders of the title Actor of the Nation:

  • Eva Almási
  • Gyula Bodrogi
  • György Cserhalmi
  • Sándor Csikos
  • Tamas Jordan
  • Levente King
  • Zsuzsa Lehoczky
  • Piroska Molnár
  • Gentile Judith
  • László Szacsvay
  • Polite Dorothy

The nation's actors last elected a new member on April 4.

Then, after the death of Miklós Benedek in January, Sándor Csikos received the honorary title.

The title of Actor of the Nation is always held by 12 people, so now the company has been fully staffed again.

The title of Actor of the Nation can be awarded to those who have made outstanding merits in the field of nurturing the Hungarian language, interpreting national literature, Hungarian theater, and the development and popularization of national theater. The title was first awarded on August 22, 2000.

The title of Actor of the Nation can be awarded to those who have performed outstandingly in leading or episodic roles; turned 62; He spent 40 years in the acting field or at least 20 seasons - in at least one role per season - on the stage of the National Theater in Budapest.

A maximum of twelve can hold the title at the same time, and they will receive a net benefit of HUF 630,000 per month for the rest of their lives. If one of the bearers of the title dies, after his funeral, the other holders of the title can make a proposal for the vacant place by unanimous vote.

Source: hirado.hu

Photo: MTI/Eva Keleti