Keszthely’s Balaton Theater (Balaton Színház) at 8360 Fő tér 3 is your go-to spot for theater magic in 2026. This venue welcomes thousands of happy season ticket holders every year. Its concerts feature tons of famous Hungarian and international bands and performers. It’s also the regular stage for Dumaszínház comedy shows multiple times a year. Get ready for a packed schedule of plays, musicals, and more, starting March 31.
Relatives by Zsigmond Móricz
Catch “Rokonok (Relatives)” – a two-act play from Hevesi Sándor Várszínház – on March 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17 or $20. It’s the fourth show in the 2025/2026 Festetics season subscription. This cornerstone of Hungarian literature dives deep into social critique without turning into a mere pamphlet. It explores delusions of power and the twisted paths of the human soul. Hidden loves, tangled marriage games, family, emotional, and financial blackmail line the road to self-assertion and self-destruction. Young István Kopjáss, a clean-cut guy with empty pockets but a head full of world-saving plans, gets elected chief prosecutor of Zsarátnok against a corrupt rival. But the job brings not just power for good, but a swarm of old and new “relatives.” The multi-layered plot, rich characterizations, twists, and excitement make for a seriously satisfying night out. Premiered March 27, directed by Iván Hargitai.
Pierrot and Prigozsin in Life’s Whirl
April 1 at 7 p.m. brings Csaba Formanek’s “Pierrot és Prigozsin az élet forgatagában (Pierrot and Prigozsin in the Whirl of Life)” – a free 110-minute show on national manhunt tour. Kettőspont Színház hits the road with three performances in the campaign finale, backed by Kétfarkú Kutyapárt’s 3. Rózsa Sándor Népi Kampánypénz Tékozló Alap and welcoming venues. It’s cultural fun meets community vibes. Philosophers and clowns on a manhunt! Pierrot and Prigozsin craft their boldest clown show yet, pushing artistic limits to touch souls deeply. But it’s tough without their third member to give it all meaning. Inspired by François Truffaut’s “Jules and Jim,” with Tamás Ács’s ideas, written and directed by Csaba Formanek. Stars: Tamás Ács as Pierrot, Csaba Formanek as Prigozsin. It spans a weird love triangle, timeless friendship, and two twisty life stories in comic-tragic mode. Recommended for 14+. Free entry!
The Theater Maker by Thomas Bernhard
Sold-out alert for Thomas Bernhard’s “A színházcsináló (The Theater Maker)” on April 10 at 7 p.m. from Orlai Produkció in the Balaton Színház theater hall. Second show in the 2026 Spring Subscription. National Actor Bruscon (Róbert Alföldi) arrives with his small troupe for a guest spot but clashes with everything at the unfamiliar venue – and showtime’s hours away. Bernhard (1931-1989), often called a radical pessimist, was one of his era’s top writers, forever at odds with Austria. His obsessive stage heroes rant against Austrian conditions and modern life’s absurdities. Experience it as a massive theater stand-up fueled by raw pain and cocky cluelessness. Cast: Róbert Alföldi, Tímea Buza, Lili László, Áron Valentin Németh, Béla Ficzere. Adapted by Bence Bíró. Set by Eszter Kálmán, costumes by Sosa Juristovszky, poster by László Csáfordi, assistant director Judit Skrabán. Directed by Réka Pelsőczy.
Pearl-Haired Girl Omega Musical
May 9 at 7 p.m.: ExperiDance’s “Gyöngyhajú Lány – Omega Musical (Pearl-Haired Girl – Omega Musical)” with Kóbor Léna starring. Tickets $34 or $39. Everyone’s got an inner child craving fairy tales – just wrap them in adult packaging! This musical follows young Kriszta’s coming-of-age and first big heartbreak, guided by “Trombitás Frédi” through Balaton myths. A tale every young lover knows. Writer-director Zsolt Pozsgai, music director Zsolt Gömöry, costumes by Ildikó Debreczeni, set by János Mira, LED animations by Zénó Mira. Won “Best Musical Dance Show 2016.” 22 Re-Production dancers, 5 top musical actors, 21 Omega hits. Stars: Máté Szabó, László Sánta, Nikolett Füredi, Réka Koós, Gabriella Varga, Nelly Fésűs, Ádám Lux, Sándor Tóth, László Janik, Viktória Magyar, and Kóbor Léna as Kriszta since 2023 Csepel premiere. Re-Production upholds ExperiDance standards since 2019. Choreographers Dávid Benkő, Veronika Benkő-Morvai, Albert Hernicz. Pro dancers backed by TBG, pro crew, and 50sqm LED walls guarantee success. Hits like Trombitás Frédi, Régi Csibészek, Ezüst Eső, Petróleumlámpa, Ha én szél lehetnék, Gyöngyhajú lány – now sacred Omega heritage. Nostalgia and tribute to János Kóbor “Mecky,” László Benkő, Tamás Mihály. Songs: Start, Hűtlen Barátok, Holló, Fekete Pillangó, Nem tudom A Neved, Kötéltánc, Ha Én Szél Lehetnék, Gyöngyhajú Lány, Petróleumlámpa, Őrültek Órája, Nyári Éjek Asszonya, Hazug Lány, Napot Hoztam Csillagot, Régi Csibészek, Boldog Angyalok, Ezüst Eső, Trombitás Frédi, Addig Élj, Meghívás.
Love is Not Shame: Old Movie Songs
Wrap up May 30 at 6 p.m. with Rátonyi Róbert Színház’s “A szerelem nem szégyen (Love is Not Shame)” featuring 30s-40s Hungarian film hits with live band. Tickets $23. Chamber theater revives the era through two young hearts colliding. Charleston, shimmy, foxtrot, fox, swing pulse alive again. Black-and-white nostalgia! Evergreen hits and gems by Mihály Eisemann, Alfréd Márkus, Pál Ábrahám, Károly De Fries, Szabolcs Fényes. Title says it all: carefree fun about mutual attraction and love’s fulfillment. Stars Edit Vörös, Sándor Domoszlai, Tamás Heller, László Gonda, Palermo band.
March 31, April 1, 10, May 9, 30 – all in Keszthely. Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs!
