Barabás Botond

Director

Barabás Botond portrait

Short biography

I was born on June 22, 1980, in Székelyudvarhely. My mother was an accountant, my father an IT specialist. My aunt is an actress in Târgu Mureș, but as a child and teenager, this world did not interest me at all. For a long time, I wanted to become a priest, a truck driver, or a baker. Then, in the last year of high school, I had to decide what to do next. At my aunt’s suggestion, I applied to the University of Arts in Târgu Mureș, and I was accepted on the first try. From that moment on, I was infected with the “theatre virus,” and it has stayed with me ever since.

When I was in my final year, János Szikora invited me to perform in the opening production of the new National Theatre, The Tragedy of Man. It was a great honor as a university student to share the stage with such great actors as Gellért Raksányi, Gyula Bodrogi, and Tibor Bitskey. After the National Theatre, I signed with the theatre in Timișoara, where I spent two years. In 2004, János Szikora called me again and offered me a position in Szolnok. This year marks my 16th season in this city, which I have come to love dearly.

Here I founded my family, here my daughters were born, and thanks to director Péter Balázs, I was able to try myself in every genre — from comic dancer roles to great dramatic heroes. For this, I cannot be grateful enough. I dare to say that during my years in Szolnok, I grew up and truly became an actor. I feel that the city has “embraced” me and maybe even grown fond of me. I cannot walk down the street without receiving a kind smile or a few warm, appreciative words from the people here. Szolnok is no longer just a city for me — it has become my Home.

Awards

  • Bodex Ring – 2008
  • Imre Soós Award – 2009
  • Regional Prima Primissima Audience Award – 2013
  • Mari Jászai Award – 2014
  • Hungarian Theatre Award – 2014
  • Excellence Award of the Transylvanian Community – 2019