New English Theatre maker group in town worth supporting!

Up & Down is produced by Yantra Studio

Whether you’re an avid theatre-goer, an expat looking for quality English-language performances in Budapest, or someone who simply enjoys a compelling story told with wit and heart, Up & Down promises an evening of laughter, reflection, and connection.

“When you go up into the air and down to the depths of your soul, the truth can be both terrifying – and extremely funny.”

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey with Up & Down, an original English-language theatre production set to premiere on 13th March 2025 at Eötvös 10, Budapest. 

Up & Down is a contemporary dark comedy theatre play in English (with Hungarian subtitles) that explores themes of identity, power, and belonging. Set in the surreal and confined space of a hot air balloon, the play blends humour with existential questions, challenging societal norms while offering a unique theatrical experience.

Through a mix of wit and reflection, Up & Down tackles contemporary issues: sexual identity, mental health, and the feeling of being an outsider in today’s world.

At the heart of Up & Down is Angelo, an eccentric pilot who inadvertently convinces his eclectic group of passengers—Pamela, a wealthy property hunter; Zsofi, her social media-obsessed assistant; and Tomi, a heartbroken accountant—that their only escape from life’s challenges is to take flight.

As their journey unfolds, so do the layers of their personal struggles, revealing themes of identity, societal expectations, and the search for belonging. 

The production is brought to life by a diverse and talented creative team, led by director Tyagi Pallava, a Budapest-based filmmaker known for his dynamic storytelling and unique artistic vision. The script, developed with Zsuzsanna Bak over a year of collaboration with inputs from Csaba Székely. It draws inspiration from contemporary social issues while weaving them into a humorous yet deeply resonant narrative.

The cast features a talented ensemble of international and local actors, each bringing their distinctive charm and depth to the stage. Mario Cossu, a Sardinian actor and writer, breathes life into Angelo with his charismatic unpredictability.
Fatime Halmos, a Hungarian artist and performer, takes on the role of Pamela. Una Kovac, an actress working on diverse projects across Europe and internationally, plays Zsófi with an uncanny mix of humor and vulnerability, while Balázs Csémi, a seasoned performer, captures the complexities of heartbreak and self-doubt of Tomi, the accountant. Acclaimed Barnabás Réti is the confident Kasper who will turn the tables. 

Tickets are available here.

Disclaimer – Up & Down is not a BET produced production, but we always appreciate and support other productions in English. For us it’s bringing our audience and noteworthy productions together.