Hungarian theater culture is currently undergoing a significant shift as industry professionals openly challenge the long-standing normalization of verbal abuse and power imbalances. According to actress Dóra Szinetár, speaking on the Kösz, jó(l) vagyok podcast hosted by Szilvia Krizsó, the industry must move beyond addressing isolated cases and dismantle a systemic culture where shouting and humiliation are accepted as standard communication.
Why is workplace culture in Hungarian theater under scrutiny?
The conversation regarding abusive behavior has intensified following recent public controversies, including the public apology of director Enikő Eszenyi. As reported by story.hu, Szinetár emphasizes that the problem is not limited to a few high-profile names but is rooted in a rigid, hierarchical structure. In this environment, directors, stage managers, and lead actors often wield unchecked authority. Szinetár argues that this power dynamic has fostered a belief that abusive outbursts are necessary for artistic success, a notion she characterizes as inherently false.
Szinetár notes that the normalization of shouting in professional theater mirrors patterns often found in traditional child-rearing practices, suggesting the issue is a deeply ingrained cultural habit rather than an isolated occupational hazard.
How does power abuse manifest in theater production?
According to Szinetár, the cycle of abuse is self-perpetuating. When a director yells at a performer to maintain “artistic standards,” the performer may feel justified in shouting at a technical staff member under similar pressure. Szinetár states that she has personally experienced such hostility throughout her career. While she frequently chose to confront the aggressor directly, she notes that this often resulted in immediate retaliation, such as being ordered off the stage.
The actress highlights that the fear of professional consequences—such as being replaced—silences many who witness or experience these outbursts. She maintains that talent is not a valid excuse for abusive conduct, stating, “If someone cannot exist normally among people, then it doesn’t matter how talented they are; they shouldn’t be working in the theater.”
What are the proposed solutions for industry change?
The path forward, according to Szinetár, requires a collective agreement to set firm boundaries. She suggests the industry must establish clear protocols for identifying and removing individuals who engage in persistent abuse. While legal definitions of workplace harassment exist, she points out that the professional community has yet to define the exact thresholds for what constitutes an “unfit” colleague in terms of behavior.
Experts in organizational culture emphasize that creating a “speak-up” culture requires leadership to prioritize psychological safety over the traditional “the show must go on” mentality at any cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is verbal abuse limited to the theater industry?
No. According to Szinetár, this type of communication is not unique to the stage and can occur in any workplace, including corporate offices or service environments, where hierarchies are left unchecked.
Does talent provide immunity from accountability?
No. Szinetár explicitly states that talent should not be a “get out of jail free card” for abusive behavior, and argues that those unable to communicate respectfully should be excluded from the professional environment.
How do victims typically react to abuse in this environment?
Responses vary, but Szinetár notes that while some choose to confront the aggressor, this often leads to further professional retaliation, such as being sidelined or replaced in productions.
What are your thoughts on workplace culture in the arts? Join the conversation by sharing your perspective in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on developments in the creative sector.
