Berzsián and Dideki
Berzsián the poet is a difficult case. As if it weren’t enough that, despite being a poet, he cannot write poetry, he is also rude, grumpy, quick-tempered—and afflicted by a strange curse: everything he says in anger comes true. Yet Berzsián really does not want to hurt anyone…
So he withdraws instead, allowing the darkness to swallow him completely. What can his friends do: Zsebenci Klopédia, the clumsy swallow; Master Sróf, who can fix anything; and Violin, the ear-splitting musician? Can Berzsián be saved? How is the melancholy poet’s fate connected with the story of Dideki, the mysterious girl who lives on the edge of town? And how will the city come to be filled with brass angels whistling in the willows?
Schedule
Ervin Lázár, the greatest Hungarian storyteller of the 20th century, would have turned 90 in 2026. In recent years, the Budapest Puppet Theatre has created several highly successful productions based on his tales. *Berzsián and Dideki*, now a classic story, is about friendship and the power of community, telling the adventures of the marvellous inhabitants of a small town through puppets and music.
The Proscenium Authors’ Agency Ltd. assisted with obtaining the rights.
The production uses minimal flashing light effects.
## MOVING (for Grades 1–4)
Berzsián the poet breaks with humanity—so he can no longer write a *jobblada*, or even a ballad! While he rages and fumes, the townspeople join forces with Violin the musician to lift everyone’s spirits. Rhymes fly and cantatas swirl, in the hope that Berzsián too might find himself in a good mood amid the shared creative work.
**Workshop designed by:** Viktória Végvári, Blanka Hirmann
**Workshop led by:** Blanka Hirmann / Viktória Végvári, with Gergő Pethő and Csaba Teszárek
*(Interpretive workshop, 45 minutes, maximum 30 participants)*
Budapest Puppet Theatre
Budapest Puppet Theatre dates back more than 70 years, and generations have grown up with its performances. We have had great eras, emblematic performances, and have been able to respond to the changes and cultural influences that have surrounded us. We are the only established theatre in Budapest that specialized in the genre of puppetry.
