Rehearsal for Truth 22: Hungarian Acacia at Bohemian National Hall

Re-enactment of societal activities in Hungary, with musical performances and recited political speeches that surround the absurd exploitation of acacia, an indigenous American tree that became a national and political symbol in Hungary.

Directed by: Kristof Kelemen, Bence Gyorgy Palinkas. Performed by: Angela Eke, Katalin Homonnai, Kristof Kelemen, Marton Kristof, Bence Gyorgy Palinkas.

The acacia, an indigenous American tree appropriated as a national symbol in Hungary, has become a subject of contemporary debates concerning politicians branding of the tree and distortion of environmental facts. The absurd exploitation of a plant for political means drove Kristof Kelemen and Bence Gyorgy Palinkas to launch a movement aimed at rebranding the acacia into a symbol of an inclusive society. Planting events took place at nationally significant locations in order to promote liberal ideals of a community.

"Hungarian Acacia" received the Critics Prize at the Theatre Festival Szeged, Hungary (2018). Free and open to the public. Online registration through Eventbrite is required. Masks are required inside the venue.

The 2022 Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival s is dedicated to the people of Ukraine fighting for their independence. Suggested donation ($10) will be used to support Ukrainian refugees.

The 2022 Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival: Under Pressure is organized by the Vaclav Havel Library Foundation and the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute New York, GOH Productions, Czech National Trust, Terezin Music Foundation, Trap Door Theatre, and Yara Arts Group.The festival is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, New York State Council on the Arts, Consulate General of the Czech Republic in New York, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Human Capacities, Hungary, and Society for the History of Czechoslovak Jews.