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Although there are two strong female leads in the rock opera (Stephen's iron-willed mother, and Réka, the pious Christian daughter of Koppány who is like Stewphen's soul sister), the composers (I assume Szörényi) showed an antedeluvian view of women. Stephen's wife has a solo to the tune 'I'm bored of politics, why don't we make children instead', and the women in Koppány's harem only want to please their lord.

Maybe a sense of this motivated this year's talent show to re-cast one important supporting role, that of the táltos (shamanic priest) as female. (The táltos is having visions of a future had Koppány won, in which every Hungarian revolution that failed in reality turned a success.)

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At the time of the original premiere, the scam artist director I mentioned made a controversial decision. He thought the two singers singing two of the key roles (Réka, and Stephen himself!) aren't photogenous enough, so he had them on on playback while actors performed their parts. But behind Réka was an accomplished folk singer, behind Stephen a rock singer who also had a big hit with a love song to Europe(!). So by popular demand, laater eighties performances had them live.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Aug 21st, 2008 at 03:29:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]
But behind Réka was an accomplished folk singer...
Oh, you mean Márta Sebestyén. I watched the opening clip and noticed her name in the credits. :)
by Gag Halfrunt on Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 at 07:01:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Do you know her from somewhere? (A festival? The English Patient?)

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.
by DoDo on Sun Aug 24th, 2008 at 06:29:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]
The English Patient, of course. :)
by Gag Halfrunt on Sun Aug 24th, 2008 at 07:43:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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