Happening

Since its foundation, Katona József Theatre has aimed to be a theatre of the continuous present. The way it works is shaped by the idea of an ensemble, the collaborative nature of theatre-making, and the desire to reflect on contemporary events.

Katona aligns itself with the European model of city theatres: its performances are attended by over 100,000 spectators each season, it is a well-established venue in the cultural and civic life of Budapest and the country, whilst also fostering an international presence.

Its repertoire provides a platform for diverse creative approaches, classical and contemporary works, and different generations of theatre professionals, guided by a shared commitment to creation, quality and openness to change.

History

Katona was founded in 1982 by Gábor Székely and Gábor Zsámbéki, supported by a group of artists from regional theatres that had gained strength in the 1970s, as well as from the National Theatre, including Tamás Ascher. From the very beginning, the theatre’s productions were characterised by high-quality ensemble acting and a theatrical approach sensitive to diverse social realities. Gábor Székely managed the institution between 1982 and 1989, Gábor Zsámbéki between 1989 and 2011, and Gábor Máté between 2011 and 2026, preserving the integrity of artistic creation through changing political systems.

Katona soon gained significant professional recognition, its productions regularly appeared at international festivals and as guest performances at theatres across the world. In 1990, Katona became a founding member of Union of the Theatres of Europe (UTE), and in 2008, of the European theatre network Mitos21.

It has always been a tradition of Katona to be capable of renewing itself from within. Several generations of directors, actors, dramaturgs, designers and other theatre professionals have studied and worked here, before passing on the knowledge they have acquired. The ensemble is thus not only an artistic community but also a school, where the experience of the past supports the tasks of the present.

Horizon

From February 2026, Kriszta Székely is the theatre’s managing director. This new era builds on Katona’s core values and provides a platform for civic, European and global issues, documentary and interdisciplinary forms, and for both established and emerging artists in contemporary performing arts and literature.

The aim is to manage a city theatre that preserves its ensemble culture, reacts to the present with radical sensitivity, plays an active part in the Hungarian and European theatre scene, and remains a vibrant, open and free space for future generations – one capable of inspiring, provoking and bringing people together.