Youngsters – Life Beyond the Walls

Youth dance theatre performance (12+)

Our dance theatre performance focuses on themes that concern adolescents, such as love, the roles of boys and girls, physical and psychological changes, transition from childhood to adulthood, separation from family, the role of friends, defying the adult world, and finally, reconciliation and acceptance of each other and ourselves.

Structurally, the performance is based on dance etudes, which are complemented by a magical puppet theatre technique called material animation. An infant moulded from materials and textiles comes to life in a simple, pure environment, the joyful childhood comes to life before our eyes, while the material transforms into a jumping rope, a ball, or a swing in the hands of the dancers, showing their boundless imagination. All the way until we move from being a child to an adolescent coming of age.

Unconditional love, care, and trust help us to find ourselves and to help each other on this journey of finding the balance between limitation and allowing everything. Give adolescents autonomy and let them have their secrets—if they are given trust, they will reciprocate with trust. We can help the most by being there, being present in their lives and letting them know they can count on us, even outside our own walls.

Premiere: 27 March 2025. National Dance Theatre

Dramaturge: Pallai Mara

Composer, music editor: Julcsi Paár, Fonogram award winner

Costume: Enikő Kocsis, Harangozó Gyula Prize winner

Consultant: Judit Szécsi child psychologist

Scenic and lighting design: Kornél Papp

Director, choreographer:
Enikő Kocsis, Harangozó Gyula Prize winner
Dezső Fitos Honorary Young Master of Folk Arts and Haragozó Gyula Prize winner, Hungarian Artist of Merit

Performed by the Fitos Dezső Company

Photo: Ervin Laskovity