This year’s MITEM is more than a festival

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Theatre Enthusiasts,

Theatre is the mirror of the soul, a shared language that bridges nations – connecting past and present, tradition and innovation, people to people. In this spirit, I warmly welcome you to the 12^th Madách International Theatre Meeting (MITEM), which from April 25 to May 25, 2025, will once again open its doors to the world’s most outstanding theatre artists.

This year’s MITEM is more than a festival – it is a celebration. Over the course of a month, twenty-seven companies from twenty countries will present thirty performances, showcasing the rich diversity of cultures and the enduring power of theatre. From Albania to Japan, from France to Mongolia, artists will come together to weave a global tapestry of theatrical magic. Art knows no borders – like a universal language, theatre unites us, no matter where we come from.

For Hungarian theatre, MITEM is not only an inspiration but a mission – one that fosters dialogue, encourages learning and teaching, and reflects the world’s diversity on stage while proudly upholding our values. Culture is the soul of a nation. When we nurture it, we grow richer; when we share it, it becomes a treasure for all.

We believe theatre does more than entertain – it stirs, challenges, and brings people together. MITEM embodies this mission, as it is a space where tradition meets innovation, where the classical and the contemporary together shape the theatre of the future. Here, creators and audiences from diverse backgrounds share in the magic of theatre and discover the wonder that great performances can offer.

I hope every participant – artists and spectators alike – leaves this festival with experiences that transcend the stage and live on in hearts and minds. May this festival be a true celebration of theatre, art, and community!

Balázs Hankó

Minister for Culture and Innovation

(24 April 2025)