Year 12 Hungarian students' theatre experience
As part of their World Literature studies, our Year 12 Hungarian students have been learning about Thomas Mann. He was a German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist and the 1929 Nobel Prize winner in Literature. His highly symbolic and ironic epic novels are noted for their insight into the psychology of the artist and their intelligence.
As part of their World Literature studies, our Year 12 Hungarian students have been learning about Thomas Mann. He was a German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist and the 1929 Nobel Prize winner in Literature. His highly symbolic and ironic epic novels are noted for their insight into the psychology of the artist and their intelligence.
One of his short stories which we analysed, Mario and the Magician, has been made into a play and staged in a Hungarian Contemporary Theatre (Spirit). The play symbolically expresses the power of fascism in Italy in the 1920s and the reaction of people to a dictator.
What our students said after seeing the play:
"For me, the start of the play was amazing. I really liked how the characters were part of the audience. It felt as if we also belonged to the actors.” – Leo
"The play created an atmosphere of belonging; we all sensed a personal involvement.” – Vanda
"I found the techniques used by the actors to make us feel the strangeness of the situation interesting.” – Eperke
"I liked the ominous and dark tone of the play.” – Bianka
"I liked the overall concept of the theatre very classic and elegant.” – Ádám
"I really enjoyed the way the actors presented the piece. It was a really small, welcoming theatre.” – Lili
"I enjoyed that we were all involved in the play and even though the actors used only a few tools and the costumes were rather simple, it was still a complete and full drama.” – Julcsi
"I really liked the play because the actors involved the audience and we felt like we were part of the play.” – Rhani
"I liked how the actors presented the characters and I felt like I was in the show too.” – Kriszti