Theatron 19, 3. sz. (2025): 50–63.
Since 2007, the members of Independent Theatre Hungary have been creating artistic and educational projects aimed at supporting disadvantaged Roma and non-Roma young people in becoming active, decision-making citizens. In their performances, Roma people are represented as value-driven members of society who, despite facing numerous difficulties, serve as exemplary and inspiring figures for many. In this study, I examine Independent Theatre Hungary’s Roma self-representation performance series Fathers and Sons from the perspective of how social mobility and the “costs” of mobility are depicted. I address general “symptoms” or “costs” of social mobility that can be identified in the performances, such as the Bourdieusian concept of the divided habitus, the emergence of generational gaps, and the impact of partner choice on mobility. I also investigate whether education and work are presented in these plays as factors that facilitate social mobility.

