About a Poet | Evenings with Attila József in Hong Kong

with Vulgo Theatre

“About a Poet” is a powerful and intimate theatrical portrait of Attila József — one of Hungary’s most profound and influential literary voices. Through poetry, memory, and dramatic dialogue, the play explores the life, struggles, and artistic genius of a poet whose words reshaped Hungarian literature and continue to resonate across generations.

At the heart of the performance lies József’s deeply personal and turbulent psychoanalysis with his therapist, Edit Gyömrői. Their complex relationship unfolds on stage, revealing the fragile boundary between vulnerability and brilliance, love and longing, despair and creation. Through this lens, the audience is invited into the poet’s inner world — his childhood wounds, social consciousness, yearning for connection, and relentless search for truth.

The performance weaves together some of Attila József’s most celebrated poems, including By the Danube, Ars Poetica, Mama, Grief, Lullaby, It Deeply Hurts, With a Pure Heart, You’ve Made Me a Kid, and Perhaps I’ll Suddenly Vanish. Each poem emerges organically from the dramatic action, illuminating the moments that shaped his voice and secured his place in Hungary’s literary heritage.

Beyond a biographical portrait, “About a Poet” is also a powerful statement on the enduring importance of poetry itself — as confession, resistance, healing, and a timeless art form that gives voice to the deepest human emotions.

“About a Poet” is not only a tribute to a national icon, but also a moving exploration of the human spirit — its fragility, resilience, and enduring need to be heard.

In collaboration with Asia Society Hong Kong Center, this performance is proudly sponsored by the Consulate General of Hungary in Hong Kong.

Event Details:

1–3 October 2026 | Thursday–Saturday

7:30 – 9.00 p.m.

Miller Theater, Asia Society Hong Kong Center

9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong

The program will be presented on three evenings in an intimate historic venue.

Program Rundown:

7:00 p.m. Doors Open
7.30 p.m. Performance Begins
9.00 p.m. Performance Ends

The running time of the performance is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the performance starts. Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break only.

Content advisory: This production touches on themes of mental health, emotional distress, and includes references to suicide. It may not be suitable for young audiences. Parental/guardian discretion is advised.

Attila József (1905–1937) is widely regarded as one of the foremost Hungarian poets of the twentieth century. Raised in poverty in a working-class district of Budapest and orphaned at a young age. Despite these hardships, he began studying Hungarian, French and philosophy in Szeged, later continuing his studies in Vienna and Paris. During his short life, he published seven poetry collections and wrote more than seven hundred poems, ranging from playful children’s verse to profound reflections on modern life and philosophy. His work continues to resonate across generations. In honor of his enduring legacy, Hungary awards the József Attila Prize annually to outstanding writers and poets. His birthday, 11 April, is celebrated throughout the country as Hungarian Poetry Day.