Every August, the walls of Szigliget Castle’s (Szigligeti Vár) courtyard echo not with sword clashes, but with laughter and witty banter as Central Theater (Centrál Színház) brings classic Hungarian theater to this stunning lakeside venue. From August 5 to August 20, 2025, this magical historic setting transforms into a stage where summer nights mean stories, stardust, and well-dressed chaos instead of ghosts.
Two Ferenc Molnár Hits Under the Stars
This summer, Central Theater (Centrál Színház) returns to the open-air Szigliget stage, bringing Ferenc Molnár’s famous masterpieces to life. After last year’s sold-out debut of The Play at the Castle (Játék a kastélyban) and the crowd-pleasing Delilah (Delila), the company promises another season full of charm, mishaps, and timeless Hungarian wit. Returning by popular demand is The Play at the Castle (Játék a kastélyban), running six times from August 5 to 10, with Róbert Alföldi, Zsolt László, Eszter Balla, and Samu Puskás leading the cast, under the direction of Tamás Puskás.
Following that, from August 13 to 20, the stage belongs to The Guardsman (A testőr), another shining gem by Ferenc Molnár. Móni Balsai, Zoltán Schmied, Anna Györgyi, and Gergő Kaszás bring to life this hilarious and sharp battle of jealous hearts, staged by acclaimed director Károly Ujj Mészáros. The Szigliget audience will have the exclusive privilege of seeing this new production before it premieres in Budapest.
Ferenc Molnár’s “The Guardsman”—Jealousy, Deception, and Elegant Laughs
Molnár’s comedies never fail to balance entertainment with clever twists, and The Guardsman is the perfect example. Here, a famous actress dreams of an impossibly dashing guardsman. Her husband—no fool—knows his actress wife will soon attract such a fantasy, and of course, he’s the one who puts on the uniform. Cue jealous schemes, mistaken identities, and enough romantic tension to make any spouse squirm.
The result is delightful: stagecraft becomes a hilarious test of marital fidelity, while the audience’s sides ache from laughter. Wry humor meets subtle irony, all wrapped in a glamorous setting. Meanwhile, Molnár captures how our desires and doubts collide, giving every audience member a night that is both silly and soul-stirring.
The cast shines: Móni Balsai’s performance as the actress sparkles, shifting from breezy to sultry in a heartbeat. Zoltán Schmied as the would-be guardsman balances military discipline and lovesick confusion with effortless grace. Jokes and jibes come courtesy of the scene-stealing Anna Györgyi and Gergő Kaszás, with supporting moments from János Papp, Éva Szabó, and Éva Gats. The direction, costumes, and lighting are all period-perfect but with a fresh edge and lively musical touches.
Why Make the Pilgrimage?
Classic comedy, new flavor: Yes, affairs of the heart and marital jealousy are old stories, but when told with this cast’s razor-sharp timing and Molnár’s unique spin, they feel as current as any romantic comedy.
Cast chemistry: The Balsai-Schmied duo guarantees stage magic, surrounded by a supporting team that turns every argument into a spectacle. Károly Ujj Mészáros’s direction finds every funny, heartbreaking, and awkward note.
Summer evening enchantment: Each laugh echoes within the storied walls of the castle, while the action and music blur the lines between audience and performer. There’s romance, drama, and enough brilliant one-liners to quote for weeks.
“The Play at the Castle”—Where Life’s Mishaps Become Art
Molnár’s legendary The Play at the Castle (Játék a kastélyban) returns, starring Róbert Alföldi, Zsolt László, Eszter Balla, Samu Puskás, and Zoltán Schmied. Imagine: a playwright, a young composer, and a fiancée caught red-handed. What’s a dramatist to do? He transforms disaster into theater, using a dazzling ploy and sparkling wit to save love from the jaws of jealousy. “Your death is too little for the solution,” the cunning Turai declares to Annie in a cutting exchange, blending tragedy and farce in true Molnár style.
Written at the peak of his powers, Molnár created a piece that celebrates theater’s ability to transform—and to comfort us with the promise of more beautiful worlds.
Details, Dates, and Tickets
The Play at the Castle (Játék a kastélyban) runs August 5-10; The Guardsman (A testőr) from August 13-20. Tickets are $35, $30, or $22, sold online and onsite from July 30 through August 20, 6 to 9 PM on show nights. Don’t miss these joyous, star-lit nights where Hungary’s theatrical past comes alive—with a healthy dose of comedy and mischief.
