Corona Aesthetics. Changes in the Hungarian Theatrical Language During the First Wave of COVID-19 and the Subsequent Period of Cautious Reopening Cover Image

Koronaesztétikák. A magyar színházi nyelv változása a koronavírus első hulláma, majd az azt követő óvatos nyitás periódusában
Corona Aesthetics. Changes in the Hungarian Theatrical Language During the First Wave of COVID-19 and the Subsequent Period of Cautious Reopening

Author(s): Kriszta Kedves
Subject(s): Fine Arts / Performing Arts
Published by: Theatron Műhely Alapítvány
Keywords: COVID-19; hungarian theatre; liveness; mediation; quarantine performance

Summary/Abstract: My research focuses on the responses of theatres within the Hungarian-speaking regions (Hungary and Romania) to the sudden onset of the COVID-19 lockdown. I approach these selected productions through two interrelated questions. The first segment examines the works from the perspective of theatrical mediation and mediated presence, incorporating Auslander’s concept of liveness into the analysis. The second segment concerns the role and function of theatre itself. My investigation raises questions such as how COVID-19 reshaped the dominant theatrical language in the Hungarian-speaking regions of Hungary and Romania, what new formats and productions emerged from the constraints imposed by the pandemic, and how different theatres and companies adapted to them. Which creative groups and artists proved flexible during the first wave of the virus, and can we speak of “quarantine-compatible” performances within the Hungarian theatrical landscape?

  • Issue Year: 19/2025
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 38-49
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Hungarian
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