Part of dunaPart7 - Platform for Contemporary Performing Arts in Hungary.

A house party that unfolds a little differently every time, as five young performers explore the theme of masculinity through their personal experiences, offering a kind of second-hand experience of male identity. 

“Hi everyone! Want anything? Are you sure? Alright. Do you know why we invited you here?

So, here's the thing. We've spent about six months exploring masculinity, what makes a man a man, or what makes each of us feel masculine. We've gathered all of that together and we'd like to share it with you tonight. We call it a male experience, or, more precisely, we'd like to offer you a second-hand male experience. Please feel free to eat and drink throughout the evening. And most importantly: you can go to the bathroom whenever you like!

MEN takes the form of a house party: there's plenty of dancing, fun, tears in all their possible forms, celebration, chatting, good vibes, sweaty T-shirts, boys' activities, smells, and adventure. And of course, there's a feast – but to make sure the table isn't empty, we'd love you to bring along something your heart (and your stomach) desires to share.”

At the heart of the performance is the theme of masculinity, explored through the personal stories and experiences of its five performers. Rather than offering clear-cut answers, MEN embraces the contradictions and complexities of the subject while actively involving the audience in the experience. It creates a space where vulnerability and playfulness coexist, addressing sensitive questions with openness, humour, and directness – without judgement or self-pity.

Each performance of MEN unfolds differently. While its overall structure remains fixed, there is no written script. The rhythm and dynamics of the evening are shaped by the performers' energy in the moment and the situations that emerge between them throughout the performance.

The seven-member creative team began working together on the applied theatre performance MEN in 2024. The premiere took place in May 2025 at Jurányi, following a six-month period of research and rehearsals.

István BARI graduated from the Physical Choreographer programme at the University of Theatre and Film Arts in 2025. He was then a company member of Vörösmarty Theatre in Székesfehérvár and, from 2026, joined the company of Gárdonyi Géza Theatre in Eger. As an actor, he has worked with several theatres and companies, including Örkény Theatre and Forte Company. He has also worked as a choreographer.

Zsófi DÖBRÖNTE is currently a fourth-year Theatre Directing student at the University of Theatre and Film Arts. She graduated from the Freeszfe theatre-making programme in 2025 and previously studied theatre directing at the University of Arts in Târgu Mureș. She has directed classical and contemporary plays, as well as improvisation-based theatre and opera productions.

István GYÁFRÁS graduated from the Freeszfe theatre-making programme in 2025 and is currently studying filmmaking at Eötvös Loránd University. His notable productions include Salem (2025, Jurányi) and Csapda (2026, MU Theatre).

Maja JUHÁSZ graduated from the Freeszfe theatre-making programme in 2023 and is currently studying film directing at Eötvös Loránd University. Her notable productions include Celestial Bodies (2022, Jurányi), Ventillátor (2023, Auróra), EGY KULCS… (2024, Trafó), and the mostakkor. series (2024–25, Trafó).