I am writing in support of Gyuri Szabó.
Do Hungarians want their nation to be culturally significant? Do Hungarians want their nation to be culturally influential? Do Hungarians want a performance space that can be included in a list with the best performance spaces anywhere in Europe?
If the answer to any of these question is ‘Yes’, as it must be, then Hungarians must agree that Gyuri Szabó’s replacement is a mistake.
It seems that there are those who consider this replacement a victory. This victory has made Hungary less significant, less rich, and less privileged. This victory is a defeat, for all Hungarians.
Szabó is a jewel of the European performance scene. His knowledge of contemporary performance is almost without peer.
The Trafó has been, for as long as I can remember, an internationally important performance space.
I hope it can continue to be.
Nevertheless, this change is unworthy and misguided.
This is a decision for helping to impoverish the cultural future of their nation and immediately lessening its cultural influence.
Best wishes,
Neil Bennun (writer and performer)
