Nebenan/Mellettünk
Independent art from Hungary
20. – 23.03.2024
In the “Nebenan” series, HELLERAU regularly presents contemporary art from regions where artists work under difficult political conditions. Following Nebenan Belarus (2022) and Nebenan Ukraine (2023), HELLERAU 2024 is dedicated to the independent performing arts scene in Hungary.
The flourishing theater landscape of the independent performing arts in Hungary that emerged after the fall of communism was an essential component of a diverse cultural life in post-socialist Hungarian society. Hungarian theater in particular was also present internationally at all important festivals and in production houses. Since the right-wing populist Fidesz party under Victor Orban came to power in 2010, these independent arts have been continuously dismantled – through years of successive cuts, the loss of financial stability and limited production opportunities. While established companies end their artistic work or leave the country, young dance and performance artists in particular decide to work independently and express their personal experiences, artistic visions and their view of society.
“Nebenan/Mellettünk” invites you to experience a variety of contemporary artistic works, to discuss the history of Hungary and its current political situation, to exchange ideas, to network and to round off the evenings with a concert and party.
Funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, the Federal Agency for Civic Education and the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony as part of the Alliance of International Production Houses.
