Common Tongue II | International Roma Theaterfestival | Disruptors of a Regime | by Independent Theater Hungary

Disruptors of a Regime sheds light on the birth of the Roma movement in Hungary during  the 1980s, when state control, censorship and secret agents shaped everyday lives and the struggle for dignity. Inspired by real stories and research, the play explores the struggles of  Roma, LGBT people and artists who longed for freedom under dictatorship, while questioning how free we truly are in European countries, more than forty years later. Through the story of Sándor, a young filmmaker whose dreams collide with both socialist oppression and the illusions of the West, the performance dares to confront a shared past of  silence, compromise and resilience. It asks us to face uncomfortable truths, value untold histories and rethink important questions like, how far can art go before authorities silence it?

Independent Theater Hungary is reshaping stages: Roma and non-Roma artists use theater to actively fight prejudice, empower youth and make culture accessible to all. Since 2007, they’ve created bold performances and educational programs that challenge stereotypes, encourage dialogue and build a more open society to balance injustices. „If you approach others with empathy […] you can build stronger […] relationships. Instead of focusing on differences or problems, let’s work together to find solutions.“