Welcome to the renowned theater in the heart of Mefistoland, where we find ourselves at a turning point: the previous director is about to be replaced.
The President and the Aorta, incensed by the Council of the Eight, demand a new leader to take charge of the company. Their vision is to restore acting that is both healthy and serene, shunning the sinister allure of the international Jacobin forces. In the realm of Mephistopheles, as we know, critical thinking is deemed a grave sin.
Beloved viewers, you are invited to witness how the troupe navigates this treacherous predicament: who will take action, what compromises will they make, and how desperate will they become to preserve their own safety? After all, even in Mephistopheles, people remain human, despite the omnipresence of the limping Mephistopheles himself. Some will rise to resist, others will willingly succumb to the Darkness, and many may not even realize that their souls have already slipped away.
Regarding the creation of the piece:
"In the 2015/16 season, at the invitation of the Maxim Gorki Theater in Berlin, we undertook the creation of this play. I conceptualize it as a unique atlas, a chamber of wonders, and a collection of complex characters. Our work meticulously charts the various levels and depths of compromise, investigating the diverse ways in which human resilience can manifest. We sought to explore the effects of rising populism and nationalism on art across Europe. Inspired by Klaus Mann's "Mephistopheles," we crafted a dark yet spirited comedy that chronicles the challenges faced by a theater troupe rehearsing this classic work. Regrettably for the characters, their opportunities for success become increasingly limited, culminating in the inevitable arrival of the Devil himself.
The current version of the text has been specially prepared for the Katona József Theater, featuring new storylines and characters tailored for the troupe's actors. This performance is recommended for individuals aged 18 and older."
Tickets are available for purchase on the Katona Theater website.