Tibor Mészáros appointed interim director of Soproni Petőfi Színház

Tibor Mészáros has been appointed as the interim director of the Soproni Petőfi Színház, effective September 1. The decision follows the unexpected departure of previous director József Kiss, amid declining viewership and tensions with the local government.

Mészáros, a former artistic director at the Csiky Gergely Theatre and a Jászai Mari Prize winner, was selected after initial plans to appoint Péter Fülöp—a former deputy state secretary—met with resistance from the theatre's staff. Pro Kultúra Sopron Nonprofit Kft. officials defended the choice, describing Mészáros as an independent professional with both acting and leadership experience.

The appointment has sparked political debate. Anikó Hallerné Nagy, a Tisza Party MP, criticized the decision-making process, describing it as rushed and lacking a clear professional or artistic vision. She emphasized the need to consider the opinions of the theatre community. In response, Mayor Ciprián Farkas announced that a full professional and economic audit has been ordered to assess public needs before a permanent decision is made.