Hungary

Gypsies of Nagyida is the epic, comic poem, written by János Arany in 1852. Arany wrote the poem as a parody on the war stories on the war of independence (between Austria and Hungary) and is thus based on true facts.

The acclaimed Budapest based dance company Experidance conceived a dance interpretation of the Gypsies of Nagyida, which was co-produced with the prestigious National Dance Theater in Budapest where it premiered in 2006.  Choreographer Román Sándor chose to combine a basis of Hungarian folk dance with unexpected elements of gipsy and other, more international, dance styles. The outcome is a witty, poetic and humorous dance piece with a dynamic choreography.

The story is set at the end of the 17^th century and shows us how the Austrian troops led by General Puch assault the Castle of Nagyida. The Hungarian defenders led by Captain Perédo, all too soon realize that they have a lack of manpower, food and ammunition. With no other options to fall back on, they decide to leave the castle and to handover its supervision to the gypsies and their colorful leader Csóri. The elate, happy and careless new inhabitants of the castle celebrate their newly acquired royal place of residence with plenty of drinking and dancing, dreaming of glorious victory and good fortune...

24 talented young dancers perform this 90 minute piece with virtuoso skill and precision and fantastic facial expression. Hundreds of colorful costumes and countless quick changes as well a set of a true castle, complete with bridge, add visual charm to this magical performance by Experidance.