Hungary

Contemporary theatre and performance in Hungary have continued to operate within pre-1990 institutional frameworks, and the change of regime has not altered the overall structure of the theatre system. On the whole, cultural policy is under state control, most recently leading to the introduction of a new model of governance at the University of Theatre and Film Arts (SZFE), which led to the resignation of the former administration and to the Free SZFE movement. This unprecedented protest has since become emblematic for dissatisfaction with political control per se. Despite growing discontent and the precarious state of theatre institutions, however, it is important to signal the vitality of writing for the stage and to acknowledge the role of independent platforms in shaping Hungarian cultural life.