A friendship between a paralyzed, middle-aged aristocrat and a young man from the projects turns preconceptions upside down. Skin color doesn’t matter here. Intouchables, the hit 2011 film based on a true story, arrives in Hungarian for the first time on the Játékszín stage as Életrevalók (Intouchables).
The true story behind the play
Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, longtime managing director of the storied Pommery champagne house, became paralyzed from the neck down after a paragliding accident in 1993. At 42, he had to confront isolation and helplessness. Abdel, an immigrant pushed to the margins by his background and social status, faced his own exclusion. Perhaps that’s why Philippe chose him as his caregiver from dozens of applicants. Their connection inspired both men to write books and later sparked documentaries and the hit feature film. Now Hungarian audiences get a stage adaptation first at Játékszín—an affecting lesson in mutual acceptance.
Cast and creators
Philippe — Hirtling István
Driss — Vadász Gábor
Also starring: Kovács Dézi, Zsurzs Kati, Szőlőskei Tímea, Petyi János, Szirtes Balázs
Dramaturg: Lőkös Ildikó; Set: Horgas Péter; Costumes: Bujdosó Nóra; Music: Horgas Ádám; Stage Managers: Skrabán Judit / Gáncs Nikolasz; Prompter: Dobos Erika; Assistant Director: Petyi János; Director: Horgas Ádám.
Dates, venue, and details
Note: Actors smoke herbal cigarettes on stage. Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission.
December 25, 2025; January 3, 2026 — 1066 Budapest, District VI (Terézváros), 48 Teréz Blvd. (Teréz körút)
February 10, 2026 — venue TBA. Organizers reserve the right to change the schedule and program.
Price: $15.20–$27.30.
