Übü király (1989)
A savage, grotesque Hungarian TV adaptation of Alfred Jarry's anarchic theatrical classic, staged by Budapest's legendary Katona József Theatre.
Übü király - Movie Information
Übü király - Plot
The Empty King created a mythical figure and a whole world from grotesque, archetypal images. The drama was originally conceived as a student tirade against a teacher at Jarry's school, the Lyceum of Rennes. This teacher, Hébert, was the target of public ridicule. In 1888, at the age of 15, Jarry wrote a puppet play about the exploits of the Woolly Tartar and staged it to the amusement of his friends. The figure of Übü is a crude, cruel caricature of the foolish, selfish bourgeoisie as seen through the unrelenting gaze of a schoolboy; but this Rabelaisian figure, in all his falstaffian greed and cowardice, is more than a mere social satire. It is a terrifying picture of man's animal nature, his evil and cruelty. The Katona József Theatre in Budapest premiered Jarry's play in 1984, and it ran continuously for more than 10 years.
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Übü király - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gábor Zsámbéki
Main Cast
- László Sinkó
- Juli Básti
- Dénes Ujlaki
- Tamás Végvári
- Éva Olsavszky
- László Szacsvay
- Frigyes Hollósi
- József Horváth
- Zoltán Papp
Übü király - FAQs
What is Übü király about?
Übü király adapts Alfred Jarry's anarchic play about Übü, a grotesque, cowardly, and power-hungry figure who seizes a throne through treachery. Equal parts savage farce and dark political allegory, the story skewers human greed, cruelty, and the absurdity of tyrannical authority with unflinching, Rabelaisian wit.
Who directed Übü király?
Gábor Zsámbéki directed Übü király. He is one of Hungary's most celebrated theatre directors and was a key figure at the Katona József Theatre in Budapest, where this legendary production of Jarry's play ran for more than a decade from its 1984 premiere.
Is Übü király based on a true story or play?
It's based on Alfred Jarry's 1896 play Ubu Roi, which itself grew from a schoolboy satire. At 15, Jarry wrote a puppet play mocking a teacher named Hébert at the Lyceum of Rennes. That irreverent sketch evolved into one of the most influential and provocative works in modern theatre history.
Who are the main actors in Übü király?
The cast is led by László Sinkó as Übü papa and Juli Básti as Übü mama. They're joined by Dénes Ujlaki, Tamás Végvári, Éva Olsavszky, László Szacsvay, Frigyes Hollósi, József Horváth, and Zoltán Papp — all drawn from the acclaimed ensemble of Budapest's Katona József Theatre.
What makes the Katona József Theatre production significant?
The Katona József Theatre's staging of Jarry's play, which premiered in Budapest in 1984, became one of the most celebrated theatrical productions in Hungarian history. It ran continuously for over ten years, a remarkable achievement that cemented the company's reputation as one of Europe's finest theatre ensembles.
What genre is Übü király?
Übü király is a Drama and TV Movie. It captures a stage production rooted in absurdist and satirical theatre, blending grotesque comedy with sharp political commentary. The piece draws on traditions of farce, puppet theatre, and avant-garde drama to create something genuinely unsettling and darkly funny.
What are similar films to Übü király?
If Übü király appeals to you, consider exploring Henry V (1989), The Phantom of the Opera (2004), Rushmore (1998), The Taste of Others (2000), and Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014). These films share theatrical roots, sharp character studies, or a fascination with power, performance, and the human condition.
What language is Übü király in?
Übü király is performed entirely in Hungarian, reflecting its origins as a production by the Katona József Theatre in Budapest. The original language of the film is Hungarian, making it a distinctive cultural artifact of late-1980s Hungarian theatre and cinema.
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