Paris, the 1930s and ’40s. The modern city is born: massive public building operations, deep poverty, bloody street fights between workers on strike, citizens and the police. Secret associations and inspections, persecution by the authorities. The cult of Bonaparte I is evolving. Unceasing attempts of assasination against King Luis-Philippe. This is the context of Chopin, Liszt and Sand: three artists whose influence on art still lasts today. They are still young, but they own the city. Their appearances – Chopin in the saloons, Liszt in the concert rooms and Sand in the press – are preceded by extreme enthusiasm and followed by loud applause, while they can hardly make a living. Chopin lives disattached from his father, Poland doesn’t exist, it has become Russian territory. Liszt has lost his father, the manager of his concerts back in his childhood and teenage years. Sand’s marriage has fallen apart, and he is failing to find another long-lasting relationship. For almost 10 years their lives are closely connected. What is it that brings them together, and what is it that sets them apart for good at the peak of their careers? What inspirations do they get from one another? What is it that leaves forever-lasting traces in them? These questions are in the focus of László Bognár’s new drama, Sons of life.

13 October 2011, 19:00, Thalia Theatre

László Bognár: Sons of life – Scenes from the disorderly relationships of Sand, Chopin and Liszt

Sand – Andrea Fullajtár
Chopin – Kálmán Varju
Liszt – Áron Őze

Featuring on piano: Tamás Érdi

Directed by: Monika Balatoni