Ernella at the Wolfs'

“We talk about ourselves, our wishes, doubts and anxieties. We talk about our everyday lives, families, children and parents. We’re not special; our problems are similar. Things are all around us, we just need to reach out to them and somehow tell the story; on film or in writing, standing at the bus stop or on the phone − it doesn’t matter. Now to the theatre, lets forget about formalities, lets just talk, lets tell the story while we can, while we know, lets give news to each other about ourselves.” (Hajdu Szabolcs)

A year ago Ernella, Albert and their 10 year old daughter, Laura have left the country in search for a better life. But they didn’t get along in Scotland so they’vere turned. One night they show up at Eszter’s place. Eszter, the sister of Ernella, her husband, Wolf, and their 5 year old son, Bruno live in better circumstances than Ernella and her family, who have to deal with serious financial problems. The two families have never been in real harmony with each other but only Eszter and her family seem to be aware of that. Ernella loves to be at Eszter’s even if they fight over everything. How will the two families be able to bear each other at Eszter’s apartment and for how long?

Hajdu Szabolcs  (1972, Debrecen) is a theatre and film director, screenwriter, actor. His films White Palms and Bibliothèque Pascal were both Hungary’s nomination for the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Selected filmography: Mirage (2014), Bibliothèque Pascal (2010), Off-Hollywood (2007), White Palms (2006), Tamara (2004), Sticky Matters (2001). Theatre productions: Ernella at the Wolfs’ (Maladype Theatre, 2015), Times of Peace (Csiky Gergely Hungarian State Theatre, 2013), Ne kíméld, akit szeretsz! (Whom You Love, You Shouldn't Spare, Trupa Forte, 2010), Tamara (Stúdió K Theatre, 2002).

Maladype Theatre, founded in 2001, is an independent theatre company based in Budapest, Hungary. Maladype is a self-sustainable organisation that relies solely on its own resources. Maladype’s autonomy is not only financial, it is also the foundation of its creative independence. Playfulness, acting and reacting is the essential part of Maladype’s theatre. Its theatrical method is structured around two main principles. The first principle is the continuous development and conditioning (both physically and mentally) of its actors. Secondly, their approach focuses on an intensive and continuous relationship between the artist and audience allowing open communication by facilitating public rehearsals. The distinctive characteristic of each individual piece is its capability to adapt to the physical, cultural and emotional context depending on the location and setting of any given performance. This makes the shows accessible to all. Maladype has received numerous awards, has toured both nationally and internationally (including countries such as India, Iran and the US), and is led by artistic manager and director Balázs Zoltán.