The year 2009 marks two anniversaries for both Japan and Hungary: the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Hungary and the 40th anniversary of the resumption of those relations.
Diplomatic relations between Japan and Hungary began in 1869, in the time of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. After World War Two diplomatic relations were resumed in August 1959, in 1960 both countries opened diplomatic representations and in 1964 raised them to the rank of embassy.
After 1989, following the change of system in Hungary there was a great expansion of relations between the two countries, thanks in part to Japanese support. Since then relations between the two countries have developed steadily in the political, economic and cultural fields. This is eloquently reflected in the series of events presenting Japanese culture during the festival.

The Russian family that won the hearts of audiences
The Teatr Licedei founded in Leningrad (St Petersburg) in 1968 is Russia’s first and still only clown theatre. Over the past ten years the company has appeared in many countries, has been made honorary citizen of Lexington USA and won first prizes at festivals in Colombia, Hong Kong, China, Germany, the Netherlands and France.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-SuCWIfVU4

The whole world knows and understands them
Nowadays the reputation of the Teatr Licedei is based on the indisputable and clearly perceptible alchemy of popular farce and different forms of contemporary Russian mime, with roots that reach back to commedia dell’arte. They create equilibrium of these components with wisdom and the recklessness indispensable for the creation of its cruel and biting humour, culminating in anger and surreal images.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-SuCWIfVU4

Not only humorous but also powerful
Their faces are painted white like clowns and they have foolish, wary expressions. The absurd comes naturally to them. Their noses are not red, but their hair looks as though it has just been hit by a firecracker. Nobody says a word but everybody understands everything and laughs uncontrollably. The future demands a place in life, where the mother, constantly grimacing as a femme fatale in her shabby sandals and the tipsy father, who drinks even when there is a broomstick in his coat sleeve, come together again and again. In this shocking family the grandmother writhes in a corner, constantly scolds as though she were about to succumb to a disease, while South American melodies radiating gentleness and warmth are heard. The Family radiates humanity and uses the tools of entertainment to reject emptiness and fear. We must not resign ourselves. We must not be left alone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-SuCWIfVU4

The most amusing and least predictable family of our time
Plastic movement and mime, musical accompaniment and pure expressive power replace words. Laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, good and evil – these are the simple emotions and truths appearing in the art of the Licedei that everybody understands no matter what their backgrounds are. The Licedei is ranked among the world’s leading companies in the clown theatre category.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-SuCWIfVU4

The 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra is the only ensemble of its kind in the world. With its high standard performance of Hungarian and Gypsy music and classical music arranged for Gypsy orchestra, since its formation the ensemble has been an ambassador for music and culture, giving over 1000 concerts in venues ranging from houses of culture in the smallest settlements of Hungary to many of the world’s famous concert halls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck9r9KQX3XU

http://www.100violins.com/

This evening is an entertaining, ironic evocation of the beginnings of the profession of dancing master, the atmosphere of old village dancing schools and the mutual influence of traditional dances and fashionable society dances

http://www.honvedart.hu/

The 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra is the only ensemble of its kind in the world. With its high standard performance of Hungarian and Gypsy music and classical music arranged for Gypsy orchestra, since its formation the ensemble has been an ambassador for music and culture, giving over 1000 concerts in venues ranging from houses of culture in the smallest settlements of Hungary to many of the world’s famous concert halls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck9r9KQX3XU

http://www.100violins.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAV-dTx6YQg

http://www.dkk.hu/index_english.asp

http://www.dfz.hu/index_english.asp