Hungarian Export Plays : Foreign Success Stories of Hungarian Dramas at the Turn of the Century

Abstract

Although in Hungarian dramatic history we can occasionally find Hungarian plays that managed to have a good career abroad, but observing the dramatic literature of the first third of the 20th century, we can realise that the number of so-called export plays is considerable. Success stories in Hungarian drama literature are associated with the first decade of the Vígszínház: naturally, as part of a modernising theatrical culture, press publicity and promotion play a significant role in audience success. Within the profit-oriented theatrical model, sold-out performances in large series are considered successful plays, forming the basis for potential export dramas. Considering the fact that only works that do not address a specifically Hungarian theme, meaning that they go beyond national borders and local problems, can attract the attention of foreign audiences; priority is given to social dramas, and, to a lesser extent, comedies which mainly deal with a social problem typical of the period. This study highlights key milestones in the international careers of some Hungarian export plays, starting from the Berlin premiere of The Schoolmistress in 1909 to the Zurich premiere of The Dancer in 1918.