Notre-Dame de Paris is not just a play, it is one of the greatest milestones in the history of musicals. After its premiere in Paris in 1998, Richard Cocciante and Luc Plamondon’s work was included in the Guinness Book of Records, and many people claim Belle is the best French song of the twentieth century. While the original production conquered the world with its monumental, 200-ton set, including huge, moving bells, something completely different but equally magical happened in Debrecen.
On the oDEon stage, the set was made up of a huge LED wall and a few creatively arranged, movable pallets. However, this minimalism did not weaken the experience but rather put the spotlight on the brilliant acting and the power of the music piece.
The production stands out because it was realized within the framework of the university’s unique, English-language oDEon Theater Evenings course, which is so popular that it filled up just minutes after it was opened. Although the limit of participants was increased, many students still missed the course. However, they were not discouraged but filled the theatre’s rows as spectators. The play was directed by Szabolcs Csáki, who also took the stage in the role of the poet, bringing together this diverse, international team.
After the premiere, Esmeralda, played by an Egyptian chemical engineering student, was all smiles.
- I’m so glad we did it, it was great fun! Although I haven’t sung in theatre before, music has always been a part of my life. I practiced a lot with Szabolcs and Veronika, the theatre head. This is my first year here as a student, and my first play in this theatre, it is an unforgettable experience- said Lamar Mostafa Bayoumy.
The role of the moody Frollo was taken on by a young Russian man, who spoke with a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.
- I’m excited and a little tired now. It takes some time for the experience to settle in. We prepared intensively for about two months, so it was a very fast and tense production. I was invited to the role, because I sang here before, and I’m glad I joined in- said Nikita Belyaev.
The reactions from the audience were unanimously positive.
- The performance was amazing. The choreography, the set and the mindset of the characters impressed me- said a student from Africa.
- I saw the original French play, and this adaptation was very similar in atmosphere. It was fantastic to see our fellow students convey this emotional story so professionally- said a Dutch student, highlighting the authentic acting of the actors.
The performance was subtitled in Hungarian, but the message of the show was felt across all languages: the spectacular choreographies and iconic melodies captivated every spectator. At the end of the play, which tells the story of perseverance and self-sacrifice, the applause and ovation made it clear that this story finds its way to the soul in every culture.
Cast: Anikori Eminence Mehabor, Szabolcs Csáki, Cosmas Mutembei, Ghania Durrani, Bíborka Hamvas, Ádám Horváth, Gergő Ferenc Hüse, Tamás Hunyadi, Judy Ahmed, Asiimwe Stephanie Kasabiiti, Keith Rosh, Csaba Kósa, Lara Kovács, Lampejo Oyindamola, Mbinya Kate, Lamar Mostafa Bayoumy, Dávid Alex Nagy, Anna Nyisztor, Reine Azar, Richiello Martín, Nuha Sahlieh, Ania Hattar, Illa Török, Udeme Ebong, Csenge Zsákai, Kincső Zsákai, Belyaev Nikita, Peter Girgis
Press Centre - TB