This production highlights dances and songs from communities along the Danube—from the Black Forest to the Black Sea — featuring the acclaimed StEfrem male choir, established in 2002 by Tamás Bubnó. Known for its roots in Byzantine music alongside Hungarian composers like Liszt, Bartók, and Kodály, plus international tours and awards, the choir blends vocal harmonies with dynamic dance images.

The choreography pulls from traditions of Danube-region peoples, capturing their distinctive movements, dramatic songs, emotional richness, and visuals to create a powerful theatrical world.

The opening show centers on the Danube, a river linking peoples from the Black Forest to the Black Sea that has witnessed historical eras and shaped countless destinies. In Hungarian national memory, it symbolizes purity, preservation, and rebirth, inspiring artists, poets, and composers for centuries; the performance delves into these layers through dance, music, and visuals.​
 

Organized by the Hungarian Serbian Theater with support from the Hungarian Ethnic Theatre Association and Hungarian Theatre Company, the festival runs March 14–22 at the National Theater, presenting 24 productions from 16 theaters representing 10–13 ethnic minorities (Serbian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Romani, Greek, Armenian, Ukrainian, Slovak, German, and others), mostly in original languages with Hungarian subtitles.

Many include a competition element, with awards for best actor, direction, set design, and choreography announced on March 22.

Tickets are selling fast—check info@jelenletfesztival.hu or the National Theater site for the full program and bookings, a rare chance for expats to experience Hungary's diverse ethnic arts in one venue.

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Jelen/Lét Festival