A caterers actors and performers are the people who spend the end-of-year holidays in a different way from the usual. Ferenc Elek is a leading actor of our time, with a career that spans the ages. He has shaped many characters through his individuality and character. His acting talent was evident from a young age and he was discovered by the profession at the age of 12. Ádám Horváth, the writer of the TV series Neighbours, recruited him and from there his acting career took off. He first showed his talent in amateur theatre groups, attended the National Academy of Dramatic Arts, and then was accepted for a third time at the Academy of Dramatic Arts. Gábor Zsámbéki was his teacher and later he invited him to the Katona József Theatre, where he has been performing ever since.
Colour actor
He is one of the lucky actors who has been able to experience every aspect of the profession. He is at home in all genres, having appeared in theatre, television, radio and voice-over. All of these genres require a different level of preparation and a different kind of concentration. Ferenc Elek is loved by the public. The simplest reason for this is that he plays as a human being and for people, he puts himself into both positive and negative roles and he has a special sense of humour in the characters he plays.
Ferenc Elek is a real character actor
He has played a wide range of roles at the Katona József Theatre, but he is known mainly as a character actor. In addition to his mother theatre, he regularly takes on roles in independent, alternative companies.
He has a very special life because of his profession, as an actor's schedule is very different from the average. This is exactly how the end of the year goes for him, but he considers it very important to maintain a balance between work and private life.
- How is the end of the year for you?
- I have practically not stopped since May. There was a lot of theatre work, filming. I had a show until December 22 and I'm practically with the family until December 23-26. Usually the schedule is that my son is with me from the 23rd, and then we go to my mother's and my son's mother's on the 24th. Then there's a little retreat, a little relaxation - when I recharge, and then I'm off to the theatre on the 26th.
- This is no ordinary timetable
- It's really not, but I like it. The stage is everything to me, acting is my job - and I couldn't live without it. It's a rhythm of life that, once you love it, is a lifelong love. Perhaps it can be compared to gastronomy, because chefs have been at it as long as we actors have, despite all the difficulties. I live the end of the year as if every holiday is a good thing, and for me every day is Christmas - when I am with my little boy.
- You like good food. The question arises: do you make them?
- I have to admit that I can't really cook. I'm not saying that I don't want to cook, but rather that it's still a part of my life. I'm sure there will come a point when I'll pick up a wooden spoon. I prefer to strengthen the consumer side, as I am a fan of good food. If you were to ask me what my favourite food is, I'd be hard pressed to answer. In my opinion, culinary experiences are very important as they nourish not only the body but also the soul. In the good Hungarian tradition, if I have to say something - I love a good stuffed cabbage, for example - it comes in any quantity. During the holidays, of course on generous tables there's everything to please the eye, traditional dishes are everything, but I prefer to eat special offers is.
- Is there any food you say you won't eat?
- There is only one food, or rather ingredient, that I don't eat. And that is fish. Somehow that doesn't work for me. Of course, I know that a lot of people eat it, especially at Christmas and the end of the year, but it's the one thing I don't prefer. So anything goes, just not fish.
- How much has the recent Covid scare affected your profession?
- As with everything else on the planet, the theatre world is not doing well. Thank God the Katona József theatre is doing very well and we have no reason to complain. Where I'm playing as a guest, it's been subdued, but it's really a difficult time and I really understand the audience. At the same time, I am surprised to find that the „plazas” are packed with people and customers. I often don't even understand it. It would be nice if culture were as important to the masses as shopping. Not to mention the fact that in this covid plagued situation, I think a lot of people are behaving irresponsibly. I can give my own reference. I have had three vaccinations, but I also caught it in February and was hospitalised. Fortunately I am over it and I am working flat out and, of course, looking forward to the holidays and the festive feasts.
- How do you see the end of the year and the beginning of the year, when can you be seen on stage?
- Between the two holidays I have a gig every night. I don't play on New Year's Eve, that's more for relaxing. As for next year, we will start rehearsals at my theatre on the 10th of next year, until the end of March, when the premiere of György Spiró's play The Chief Secretaries, directed by Gábor Zsámbéki, will take place. Then the rest of the period will evolve.
Author: Tamás Budafoki
Photo by Wikipedia, Ferenc Elek, Pixabay
