History and repertoire of the “Katona József Nemzeti Színház” (Katona József National Theatre) in Kecskemét

Performances in Hungarian were held in the town in 1796 in the former Cserepes restaurant. Later, unknown companies also began to perform József Katona's plays. Then, in 1826, József Katona himself encouraged the creation of a theatre in his hometown, though it was not yet feasible. Sixty years later, the Kovács Theatre opened opposite the present theatre, where the opening performance was Bánk bán in honour of the playwright. 

By the end of the 19th century, there was a strong demand for a literary stage in the city. The tender was not only to build a theatre but also a club but in the end the city's leadership realised that Kecskemét needed a new, independent theatre. The competition was won by the architectural agency of Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. The opening of the theatre building on 14 October 1896 was celebrated for three days, with a guest performance by artists from the “Nemzeti Színház of Budapest” (National Theatre in Budapest), paying respect to József Katona with a performance of Bánk Bán. The inauguration of the institute was attended by Emperor Franz Joseph and the beloved Queen Sissi. The theatre did not take the playwright's name until 1916. Fortunately, the world wars did not damage the building. The theatre was in its heyday in the 1960s, when brilliant, nationally-renowned actors such as Kamilla Dévay, Erzsi Galambos, Ági Margitay, Mariann Moór, Tibor Fekete, György Bárdy and Gábor Koncz played here. The performances of excellent directors - Antal Németh, László Seregi, and in the seventies József Ruszt - were at the highest peaks of the Hungarian theatre. The members of the company were Miklós Gábor, Éva Vass, Bernadette Sára, Péter Trokán, and later Mari Törőcsik, József Madaras, András Kozák, István Sztankay, among others under the direction of Miklós Jancsó in Kecskemét. World-famous stars such as Richard Burton, Maximillian Schell and Ed Harris have filmed at the theatre. The Golden Globe-winning Being Julia, starring Annette Bening and Jeremy Irons, directed by István Szabó, and several scenes from Géza Bereményi's film “Hídember” (Bridgeman) were shot here. With the creation of the theatre, Kecskemét can be justly proud of the cultural life it has contributed to the city in the Katona József Theatre. 

Currently, there is a wide variety of performances for theatregoers and season ticket holders: visit the theatre's website for detailed and updated information on the repertoire.  “Kecskeméti Nemzeti Színház” (Kecskemét National Theatre) is committed to bringing cultural nourishment to everyone, so as in previous years, in 2023 they would like to provide theatre experiences to children and adults living in difficult circumstances through the “I am a Theatre Angel” programme. The programme aims to support cultural events, children and elderly people who are deprived due to their social situation, by providing them with a performance.