On the evening of April 24, the Veszprém Petőfi Theatre hosted a truly historic moment with the premiere of the mystery play Magdi, which brought to life the story and spirituality of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi. The play was written by Laura Topolcsányi and directed by Pál Oberfrank, the theatre’s director, with the support of the Archdiocese of Veszprém.
The premiere was enveloped in a deeply festive atmosphere. During the official opening ceremony of the 8th “From Soul to Soul – The Healing Power of Theatre” festival, Archbishop György Udvardy of Veszprém addressed the gathered audience. He expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed through their work to the unveiling of Mária Magdolna Bódi’s profound mystery. The Archbishop emphasized, “In these days, we are celebrating life in a special way,” as during the Easter season, the power and gift of life shine before us even more vividly. Magdi’s life – a life given in sacrifice – is not only a mystery but also a sacred encounter, confronting us with the deepest truths of existence: faith, love, and self-giving.
The performance was also honored by the presence of Archbishop Emeritus Gyula Márfi. At the end, the audience gave a standing ovation, expressing their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the performers.
Following the deeply moving and emotionally charged play, Deputy Director Zsuzsanna Kellerné Egresi highlighted how profoundly the rehearsals had impacted the cast, an experience they were able to share with the audience as well. “This is an inspiring life story,” she noted, referring to Magdi’s tragic yet radiant life.
Archbishop Udvardy underlined that presenting the life of a martyr is always a sacred encounter, one that must be approached with humility, just as Moses approached the burning bush. He praised the play’s fidelity to the sources, while also welcoming the charming, dynamic freedom that made Magdi’s personality vivid, accessible, and authentically alive on stage.
In a heartfelt testimony, Director Pál Oberfrank spoke about how deeply he had been touched by Magdolna Bódi’s story. Drawing from his own experiences, he sought to ensure that Magdi’s soul would be heard through the performers—not just in their words but in their inner life, brought to life on stage. He shared that Magdi is not only a work of art but also a declaration of faith: that there is hope, there is a path, and there is belonging.
A particularly touching moment was when Mrs. Elemérné Kiss, Magdolna’s niece, asked to speak. Fighting back tears, she thanked the artists, emphasizing that the play was “fantastically faithful” to Magdi’s life and to the spirit of her family. She also spoke movingly about her grandfather, Magdi’s father, whose character was likewise authentically portrayed in the production.
This evening was not merely a theatrical event — it was a spiritual encounter touching the hearts of all present. Through the life and example of Mária Magdolna Bódi, the audience was called anew to faith, to love, and to selfless service. In the words of Archbishop Udvardy: the mystery is not something to be understood, but something to enter into — exactly as it happened on this memorable night.