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The Transcarpathian Regional Hungarian Drama Theater (western Ukraine), also known as the Theater of Berehovo (Beregszász), strives to endure and create art amid the challenges of war and air raids. Edina Sin, the acting director of the theater, shared insights into the institution’s daily life during these turbulent times in an interview with maszol.ro.
With a history spanning over 30 years, the Theater of Berehovo has garnered success not only in regions inhabited by the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, but also across various Hungarian speaking parts of the Carpathian Basin. The Russian-Ukrainian war has profoundly impacted the lives of those residing in Transcarpathia, and the theater grapples with the new circumstances on a day-to-day basis.
Photo: Facebook / Kárpátaljai Megyei Magyar Drámai Színház
“There is nothing that the war has not changed. Just think of the months after the outbreak of the war, when we had to reclassify our operations for at least half a year because of the large number of refugees who came to us from inner Ukraine,” began Edina Sin.
Despite the challenges, collaborative efforts emerged with the Kiev Youth Theater, leading to an interactive fairy tale performance and a joint production for orphaned or half-orphaned children from eastern Ukraine.
She highlighted the necessity of rethinking their repertoire, given that several staff members had to relocate to Hungary due to general mobilization, limiting performances to Hungary and Hungarian-speaking regions.
Working conditions during this period were challenging, with frequent power outages, limited heating, and disrupted communication networks. Despite these hardships, the theater endured, emphasizing the importance of art and the love for their craft.
“We worked in almost a full-day blackout for four months between October 2022 and February 2023. There were days when the power was only on for an hour or two, during which time we had to wash, vacuum, and do online tasks. The mobile internet and telephone network were also down. In these conditions, you had to not only survive, but also live and create,” she added.
“It is at times like this that you realize that this is not the point. You find out what really drives you. Do you really love what you do enough to do these things, is it really that important to give everything you have put your life into?” Ms. Sin said.
Photo: Facebook / Kárpátaljai Megyei Magyar Drámai Színház
Sin underscored the theater’s role as a cohesive force for Transcarpathian Hungarians, providing faith and strength to the audience during tumultuous times.
“The same spiritual periods can be observed in the audience that have passed through the individual. From the moment the war broke out until now, we have experienced different states of mind. As I have already mentioned, the first months were characterized by fright, fear, and uncertainty. Then you realize that you have to adapt to the situation. Some choose to move, but many continue to live in their home country,” she added.
“We have had very difficult times, serious wars, losses. History has presented us with many challenges, yet somehow we have remained Hungarian. This is what is resounding in people now. Life is alive and wants to live. So does art. It cannot be stopped, it cannot be eliminated from one moment to the next,” the director concluded.
Via maszol.ro; Featured Image:Facebook / Kárpátaljai Megyei Magyar Drámai Színház