Tragedy: Influential Hungarian theatre to close its doors for good

“We regret to announce that our theatre activities at the Átrium will end at the end of the current season, in the summer of 2024,” the Átrium theatre’s Facebook page says. The institution has been struggling with funding problems and has been making up for the lack of resources with community funding. Unfortunately, now it has decided to close permanently.

Átrium forced to close at the end of the season

“Last summer’s community stand for the Átrium gave the whole theatre team an incredible boost and strength, and we have been living off this energy ever since, but we have to admit that there is no hope of continuing our work in a decent and predictable environment. Our supporters have been given an accurate account of how their donations have been used, they have seen how important their contribution has been to our current survival – but you can’t just survive every year,” Átrium wrote in its post.

“We maintain an institution where one person works instead of three, where you can’t give less than 120 percent, where everything hangs by a thread. We want to finish before it starts to affect our artistic work, the mental and physical health of our colleagues. The current situation is unsustainable both humanly and professionally,” the post reads.

“We are tired, because this tightrope walk, which has been going on for five years now, takes away the curious and creative energy that makes theatre worthwhile and enjoyable,”

Átrium adds.

“We have one season left to say goodbye together to the theatre we are making. We would like to be free to rejoice together that there is one more season to go, and we welcome everyone!” they conclude.

Supporters and fans are heartbroken

Understandably, theatre-goers and supporters are devastated by the sad news. “I am very very sad, just digesting in silence and with tears in my eyes! My most impactful theatre experiences were at Átrium, shared with my daughter and our friends! Something is broken, torn! The dark feudalism remains…,” one of them wrote.

“I am very very sorry… We have you to thank for unforgettable performances and wonderful theatre evenings! We will be with you every night as long as we can, and in our hearts forever! May the curse of my God be upon all those who did this!” another supporter wrote.

“Why does history repeat itself??? I feel unspeakably hopeless and sad. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything! And we will keep going, we will keep going as long as we can.”