István Örkény (1912-1979), often referred to as the “Master of the Grotesque” and an unofficial godson to Franz Kafka, wrote stories and plays about his native Hungary in response to the absurd and appalling circumstances of post-WWII, communist-era Eastern Europe. His final story, The Flower Show (Rózsakiállítás), follows Áron Korom, a documentary television director, in his quest to demystify death and dying.

Alexis Poledouris has adapted The Flower Show into a stage play with a video component. Seven actors, a video designer, a lighting designer, and innovative set design bring to life the world of the play’s subjects and their eager documentarian, facing their lasts breaths with humor, pathos, and the overwhelming desire for the survival of their memories, ideals, and bank accounts.

Source: Hungarian Cultural Center

Note from adaptor and director Alexis Poledouris:

From Story to Stage

The Flower Show  play is currently in development led by director and adaptor, Alexis Poledouris. Based on the story by István Örkény. The Flower Show follows director Áron Korom on his quest to demystify death and dying for a television viewing audience. Utilizing innovative theatricality and multi-media design, this play will be brought to life by a small ensemble of actors and designers inspired by Örkény's short masterpiece. Tonight is another step towards translating this story into a unique and complex stage play.

The Flower Show is looking for support. We need the skills and expertise of theater people, business people, fund-raisers, producers, friends, fans, and anyone else who might be able to help us bring this story to the stage. It is our hope to find the funding and space necessary to rehearse and design this production for a four week run in New York City. After this run, we would like to take the show to other cities, especially to Budapest. We are looking for individuals with ideas about space, performance venues, fund-raising, touring, and presenting, as well as for other theater-makers and artists who might want to contribute to the development of this project.

We are open to your suggestions and welcome any assistance in our own quest to demystify death and dying for a theater-going audience.

Please contact Alexis Poledouris at alexis@poledouris.com

Related links:

Hungarian Cultural Center, NY

Hungarian Cultural Center - gimagine photo reports