Author Patrick Mullowney and the players (from left to right):

Róbert Vass, Tamás Deák, László Robin, Boglárka Nagy, Rozi Székely, Zoltán Szabó

DOVER THEATRICAL PROGRAM We have dreamed of a Dover Theatre Company for a long time – a place where artists and amateurs, teachers and students alike could collaborate on joint projects in both English and Hungarian.

Besides providing joy and entertainment, it would also offer a unique opportunity to practice language skills and celebrate our different theatrical traditions. Our mission is very ambitious, and we lack a dedicated staff to launch it in its entirety. In the meantime, however, Dover Language Club has played host to many modest productions as we struggle to keep the dream of a more permanent venue alive. 

The inaugural show, on April 25, 2009, was a bilingual staged reading of The Gospel According to Saint Mark (Highlights) held on the language school lawn, because the basement space was not ready at the time. The show was followed by a grand reception to commemorate Saint Mark’s Day. 

The following year, we mounted a full production entitled Literary Evening. The star of the event was the English language with works by classic authors (Edgar Allan Poe, Christina Rossetti) and pieces by contemporary writers affiliated with the language school (Patrick Mullowney, Ella Veres). More works by the living writers would follow. Patirck Mullowney presented a reading of his play Endre at Home, followed by Ella Veres in a special appearance. With the aid of some enthusiastic volunteers, she presented her unique genre, a blend of documentary reportage and monodrama. True to the original vision, Patrick Mullowney would mount the Hungarian version his play (Endre Otthon) in December 2011. The Hungarian cast featured professional actors active in the theatre life of Budapest. 

Thankfully, outsiders have also taken advantage of the artistic possibilities. A notable example was the English-language Mad, Silly, and Catty Show, staged by three spirited comediennes of Hungarian descent under the direction of Sylvia Llewelyn. Hattie Hayridge (famous for her role as Holly the Computer on the classic Red Dwarf television series) also provided us with a night of stand-up comedy. 

We wish to encourage similar projects in the future – pieces that break down cultural and linguistic barriers, but most of all entertain. If you have ideas for theatrical possibilities, if you have a show you would like to present, or if you simply want to take part, please contact Patrick Mullowney or Lajos Verasztó.  

Original pieces are welcome, although eventually we would like to present more classical works of stagecraft as well. Productions of Edward Albee, Tennessee Williams, Shakespeare, Ionesco, Giordano Bruno, etc., have all come under discussion. 

 Rozi as Rozália in Endre At Home 

Tamás Deák as Endre

 Budapest, VII. kerület, Király utca 9.

Any Dover student, teacher or group is welcome to organize events related to language learning. Interested? Feel free to contact Lajos Verasztó.