Nextdorr/Melletünk

In the "Nebenan" series, HELLERAU regularly shows 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 theatre 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 theatre in particular was also present internationally at all important festivals and in production houses. Since the right-wing populist Fidesz party under Viktor Orbán came to power in 2010, the independent art scene have been steadily dismantled - through years of successive cutbacks, the loss of financial stability and limited production opportunities. While established companies are ending their artistic work or leaving the country, young dance and performance artists in particular are deciding 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 enter into dialogue about 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.