Stephen, the King (Junior)
Details
In Brief
The Hungarian State Opera believes that it is very important to serve not only its opera-loving audience, but also to think about the next generation of operagoers, to involve children and the youth. So, in addition to its programmes aimed at them, and in addition to operas and ballets specifically for young audiences, it occasionally stages short versions of certain works starring children. This time the legendary rock opera Stephen, the King by Levente Szörényi and János Bródy, the story of Hungary's first saint king, has been chosen for this purpose, and audiences have already seen a shortened, child-friendly version of it at other venues, entitled Stephen, the King Goes to School, directed by Pál Feke, and this existing production can now be seen at the OPERA. Then, if there are any children who are up for it, they will have the opportunity to see the “grown-up” Stephen, the King in Miklós Szinetár's exciting 2020 production.
This production is brought to you by Zikkurat Kft. and Melody Kft.
Parental guidance
Production warnings
We wish to inform you that we occasionally use light and sound effects that may be disturbing or excessively bright for some members of the audience.
Events
Premiere: Nov. 11, 2023
Media
Reviews
"We have every reason to believe that the competent musicians and teachers of the Opera have chosen carefully and well; all the singers have the necessary vocal and singing skills. The show's noisy success is appreciated with love by even those who do not have a single relative or acquaintance among the many nice and skillful actors. The crowd of performers do not stay within the confines of the stage, but also enters and surrounds the auditorium (at least on two sides). This way we are able to join in or at least feel the intense joy, enthusiasm and energy of the performers."
Andrea Stuber, Színház.net
Opera guide
Introduction
The world premiere of István, a király (Stephen, the King) took place in 1983 at Királydomb in Budapest’s City Park. Its music was composed by Levente Szörényi, with lyrics by János Bródy, based on Miklós Boldizsár’s work Ezredforduló (Millennium). The rock opera’s popularity has remained unbroken ever since; even forty years later, it continues to be one of the most popular Hungarian musical stage works. Examining centuries-old questions of Hungarian national destiny through the opposition of Stephen and Koppány within the historical context of the founding of the state, the work has seen numerous large-scale and distinctive productions over the past four decades. The original premiere was directed by Gábor Koltay.
Junior version
In the production Stephen, the King (Junior), the original piece with its rock-style orchestration retains the sound of a rock band, amplified singing with headsets and microphones, and a strong emphasis on choreography. What makes the performance particularly exciting, however, is that despite the demanding musical material, which poses a serious challenge even for adult performers, the work is performed from beginning to end, in its original form, by children. In this spectacular production, the greatest hits of Hungary’s most successful rock opera are brought to life. Within the soloists of the OPERA Children’s Chorus, two age groups appear, naturally representing two voice types: Stephen, Koppány, and the three lords are sung by older boys in tenor voices, while Laborc and Torda are performed by the younger children in soprano and alto, that is, children’s voices. For the young participants, taking part in such a production is exciting in many ways: both the members of the Children’s Chorus and the students of the Hungarian National Ballet Institute encounter an entirely new genre and style through this work, requiring new and previously unfamiliar vocal and movement techniques. All of this provides lifelong lessons, invaluable stage experience, and, not least, a memorable artistic experience for their future careers.