- ballet in 2 acts -

A New Monumental Dance Vision by Pécsi Balett

On November 8, 2025, Balett Pécs will premiere its new dance drama The Hunchback of Notre-Dame on the Grand Stage of the National Theatre of Pécs - bringing to life one of the most moving stories of the Romantic era through the expressive and universal language of dance.

This adaptation of Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece perfectly reflects the spirit of the company: once again, Ballet Pécs demonstrates its commitment to presenting grand, romantic, and emotional human stories inspired by literary classics.

Aimed at both young audiences and adults, the production is directed and choreographed by Balázs Vincze. His refined artistic vision and strong visual concepts have made him one of the leading figures of contemporary Hungarian dance. Under his direction, the classic story takes shape in a modern theatrical language while preserving the dramatic depth and philosophical richness that made Hugo’s novel one of world literature’s most enduring works. The choreography is co-created by Márton Szabó and Dávid Matola, both acclaimed soloists of the company. Through their distinctive dance vocabulary, the performers convey the innermost emotions of Hugo’s characters - pain, longing, passion, and tragedy - with remarkable dramatic sensitivity.

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is not merely a narrative ballet but a concentrated human drama, where movement itself becomes the unspoken word. Themes of love and passion, exclusion and acceptance, nobility and fallibility are explored anew through the power of dance - a universal art form that transcends language and speaks directly to both heart and mind. The story of Quasimodo, the deformed yet pure-hearted bell-ringer, and Esmeralda, the beautiful and free-spirited gypsy girl, carries a universal message: the dilemmas of diversity, desire, power and morality remain as relevant today as in medieval Paris.

Throughout its 65-year history, Balett Pécs has consistently sought to bring classical values to audiences in a modern, dynamic, and accessible form. This production offers a complex theatrical experience in which visuals, music, dance, and dramatic intensity unite to create a truly cathartic impact. The dancers’ outstanding technique, dramatic awareness, and expressive power ensure that the performance is not only visually captivating but intellectually and emotionally inspiring as well. The aim of the production is to lift audiences out of their daily routines for ninety minutes and to recharge them emotionally and spiritually through the power of dance and theatre. Every element of the performance reflects the highest artistic standards, while retaining the energy and audience-friendly dynamism that have long been the hallmarks of Balett Pécs.

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The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was created as a co-production between Balett Pécs and the National Theatre of Pécs, funded by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary.