Budapest, August 7, 2025 — In our ongoing series introducing the heads of the new first-year classes starting this September, we now spotlight József Kiss, director of the Sopron Petőfi Theatre and long-time instructor at the University of Theatre and Film Arts (SZFE). As a prominent figure in both academic and theatrical circles, Kiss often collaborates with students in Sopron’s productions—offering aspiring directors, dramaturgs, and actors hands-on experience.
Kiss revealed that this year’s director specialization within the theatre instructor program accepted nine students, all with at least five years of professional experience in performing arts or theatre. Many already have impressive achievements and play key roles in shaping the identity of their home theatres. This program aims to elevate their practical knowledge to a new level and help them forge a broader professional path.
“What we offer is a chance to see their craft through new perspectives,” Kiss explained. “We push students beyond their comfort zones, encouraging them to engage in types of research and creative exploration that may not have been part of their careers so far. I’m confident we’ll form a supportive and inspiring creative community.”
Building bridges between theatre and education
Kiss also shared his experience as director of the Sopron Petőfi Theatre over the past two years. He highlighted the uniqueness of the Sopron audience and the challenges of engaging them with the kind of contemporary, intellectually stimulating performances he champions. As a small spoken-word theatre, Sopron cannot rely on large-scale musical productions like other institutions but instead focuses on artistic depth.
In this spirit, the upcoming season will host productions directed by two fifth-year SZFE students: Tamás Pányik and Szabolcs Fejes. Pányik will direct the world premiere of Határátlépések (Crossing Borders), while Fejes takes on the classic Anconai szerelmesek. Recent graduate Benedek Csáki will also make his Sopron debut with Terike and Irén.
Kiss emphasized the importance of including students in professional environments: “Even travel isn’t a barrier anymore—actors can learn lines on the train.”
A season themed around ‘Boundlessness’
Following previous themes like “Passion” (2023/24) and “Depths and Heights” (2024/25), the new season’s theme is “Boundlessness”, marking the 35th anniversary of the Pan-European Picnic, a pivotal event in European history when East German citizens crossed the Austrian border in Sopron. This historical moment will be explored in Határátlépések, written by Zsolt Bajnai and set in a car repair shop near the border during the time of the Picnic.
On creative responsibility and collaboration
Kiss also spoke about his own recent premiere: La Grange, staged at the Gyula Castle Theatre this summer. The play delves into the emotional and artistic connection between Hungarian composer Ferenc Erkel and French opera singer Anne de La Grange.
“What fascinated me was being able to reflect on themes like masculinity, loyalty, responsibility, and artistic commitment,” said Kiss. “These are especially relevant questions in a city like Sopron, where opportunities abroad are always just across the border.”
The production involved SZFE students Noémi Orosz-Bogdán and Zsófia Pálfi as dramaturgs—both of whom Kiss previously taught. Their honest feedback was not only welcome but instrumental to the creative process. “I believe in a partnership-based creative relationship,” he stressed. “A good artist can accept constructive criticism and recognize a great idea, even if it wasn’t theirs.”
Source: University of Theatre and Film Arts
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