Habima comes to Budapest

Habima, Israel’s leading theater group, performed in Budapest for Israel Independence Day.Hungary’s cultural and political elite and members of the Jewish community turned out for Tuesday evening’s performance of Swedish playwright Lars Noren’ s drama “War” at a downtown theater. It was Habima’s first visit to Budapest, artistic director Ilan Ronen told JTA. The troupe was the guest of Theater Katona, Hungary’s leading theater, which will perform in the Israel Festival in Jerusalem in early June. “It was a great satisfaction for me to see the Israeli flag flying on Buda Castle and hear ‘Hatikvah’ played during the reception in this historic building, where during the Second World War Admiral Horthy, head of the Hungarian state, had his office,” Israeli Ambassador David Admon told JTA. “Horthy may now be turning in his grave.” Habima’s visit was part of Budapest’s Israeli Spring festival, which includes exhibitions by Israeli artists, an Israeli film week and concerts by Israeli musicians. The festival continues until the end of June.