Dunaújváros University (DUE) and the Bartók Chamber Theatre and House of Arts have launched a joint educational course. The cooperation agreement was officially signed by representatives of both institutions on February 4, 2026.
DUE not only provides academic training but also supports the development of students’ healthy lifestyles, encourages engagement with cultural traditions, and guides young people toward the appreciation and enjoyment of arts and culture. In line with these strategic goals, the university has reached out to local cultural institutions to explore collaboration opportunities.
The cooperation agreement, which defines the educational objectives and planned activities, was signed at a ceremony held at the Bartók Chamber Theatre and House of Arts.
(From left: Dr. László Balázs, Vice-Rector for Education; Dr. István András, Rector; Áron Őze, Director; Zoltán Csadi, Artistic Director. Photo: Éva Szerdahelyi – DUE)
As part of this collaboration, starting February 2026, DUE will offer a new elective course focused on the activities of the Bartók Chamber Theatre. Students will gain unique access to theatre processes—performances and rehearsal activities—that were previously only experienced by theatre staff.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. István András, Rector, and Dr. László Balázs, Vice-Rector for Education, representing DUE, and Áron Őze, Director, and Zoltán Csadi, Artistic Director, representing the theatre.
(Photo: Éva Szerdahelyi – DUE)
At the ceremony, Director Áron Őze emphasized that establishing a close professional relationship with the neighboring university had been a long-standing goal. “It is particularly important that this new course reaches as many students as possible. They are the primary beneficiaries, and at the same time, the theatre gains new opportunities: it increases its audience and reinforces its reputation as an open, collaborative institution.”
Artistic Director Zoltán Csadi added that while higher education and theatre may seem like separate worlds, they actually strengthen each other. The theatre provides insight into creative processes and daily cultural responsibilities, while students gain practical institutional experience alongside theoretical knowledge. “This collaboration also enriches Dunaújváros’ intellectual and cultural life, as students will participate as collaborators, not just visitors.”
Rector Dr. István András highlighted that the cooperation represents a meeting of two open institutions. DUE strives not only to function as a teaching and research institution but also to cultivate cultural awareness. “It is not enough for an engineering student to have only technical knowledge; exposure to beauty, creativity, and culture is equally important, and this philosophy informs all our programs.”
Vice-Rector Dr. László Balázs emphasized that the partnership marks an important milestone in the university’s third mission activities. The two open institutions collaborate to create a new course, Introduction to the World of Theatre. Classes will largely take place at the Bartók Theatre, where students can attend performances, explore behind-the-scenes rehearsal processes, and even actively participate. Students in Communication and Media Studies or Television Production programs will gain knowledge directly relevant to theatre operations, combining professional and cultural learning: university education becomes a space not only for knowledge acquisition but also for cultural experience.
(Photo: Éva Szerdahelyi – DUE)
About the Author
