Hungarian Folk Tales Presented by the MANCH Project at Bharat Rang Mahotsav

Hungarian Folk Tales is a theatrical tapestry weaving three timeless tales of courage and transformation. Directed by Vikrant Singh and envisioned by Mariann Erdő, the performance explores the struggle between shadow and light through resilient heroes.

The journey begins with The Green Bearded King, following Prince János as he is gambled away to the King of Devils and must survive three impossible trials in the underworld with the help of a magic ring and the Devil's daughter. The narrative then shifts to Ribike, a girl cursed into the lizard form who is restored by Prince Miklós with the aid of a magical spider and a dwarf. The finale, The Sky-High Beanstalk, follows a poor boy who climbs into the heavens to outwit a Seven-Headed Dragon and reclaim a magical hen that lays golden eggs.

The MANCH Project is a collaborative theatre initiative envisioned by Mariann Erdő, Director of the Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre Delhi, in partnership with Director Vikrant Singh and MIMA NGO. The production features an ensemble of 22 under-resourced children aged 10 to 14 from MIMA NGO, R.K. Puram, who participated in a six-week workshop.

Director Vikrant Singh is an Indian actor, drama teacher, and Theatre-in-Education specialist with over 23 years of experience, known for his work with diverse and underprivileged children and his leadership of the Manch Project.