John the Valiant 

Who isn’t familiar with the story of Johnny Maize and Iluska? This time, Sándor Petőfi’s timeless work comes to life on stage through the language of dance, music and poetry.

The Fitos Dezső Company evokes the adventure-filled journey of John the Valiant through a dynamic, spectacular and emotionally rich and innovative dance theatre production, which tells us the story inspired by the diverse dance culture of the Carpathian Basin and the dances characteristic of the regions visited. Music, virtuosic dance and Petőfi’s familiar lines form a unique whole, as the story of love, loyalty, courage and the persistent struggle to achieve our dreams unfolds before us.
The distinctive music style of five excellent composers and the artistry of the Company’s dancers come together to create – using the tools of puppetry as well – the magical world where the Hungarian folk tradition meets a modern theatrical vision. The production’s
interdisciplinary nature gives it a unique visual identity: striking puppets, multimedia elements and graphic designs create visually compelling scenes. Throughout the adventures, magical places – including the Land of the Giants, the Underworld and Fairyland
come to life – alongside with obstacles that our heroes have to face, transforming John the Valiant’s journey into a coming-of-age story.

The production is for fans of classic literature, lovers of folk dance, today’s youth, and all those who are seeking an uplifting theatrical evening that offers a joyful experience for the whole family.
Join us on this magical journey where dance tells the tale, music leads the way and Petőfi’s hero comes to life once again!

John the Valiant: Bálint Molnár
Iluska: Júlia Fafka
Stepmother: Eszter Östör
Hussar Captain, Chief of the Bandits: Ákos Östör
King of France: Ábel Sári
French Princess: Alexa Alzetta
Turkish Sultan: Zalán Horváth

Also appearing: György Asperján, Liliána Luca Gulya, Evelin Gyulai , Áron Kristóf , Mária
Poór, Benjámin Solt Sándor, Olga Sárándi, Patrik Varga

Music: Sándor Csoóri Jr., Róbert Lakatos, Julianna Paár, Dániel Szabó, Béla Szerényi Jr.
Lighting Design: Kornél Papp
Visual Design: Gabriella Makhult
Costume Design: Borbála Kiss
Set Design: Nóra Bujdosó
Puppet Design: Miklós Sári
Dramaturg: Mara Pallai

Director-Choreographers:
Dezső Fitos, Young Master of Folk Art, Harangozó Award-winning Artist, Artist of Merit
Enikő Kocsis, Harangozó Award-winning Artist, Artist of Merit

The production is presented in collaboration with the National Dance Theatre, with the
support of the Ministry for Social Relations and Culture.