Celebration in Hungary
A Letter from Andrea Tompa
April 13, 2026
Dear CITD Community,
We write today with much to celebrate about the Hungarian election on Sunday. Not only did Hungarians vote Viktor Orbán and Fidesz out of majority power for the first time in 16 years, they did so decisively, and with unprecedented turnout: 77%.
We congratulate our Hungarian friends on all their tireless efforts--small and large--to see to the end of this regime. Many of you know of CITD’s extensive history with these incredible artists: from founder Philip Arnoult’s first trips during the Cold War, through the Hungarian Letter of News chronicling the effects of Orbán’s authoritarianism on Hungarian theatre, our partnership with Színház magazine, delegations to the Hungarian Showcase, and now the Nézz Körül Mobility Grantnamed in Philip’s memory.
We know this result was hard won: Orbán’s efforts to turn Hungary into an authoritarian state, and use any means necessary to sway this election in his own favor, made defeating him feel nearly impossible. You can read CITD’s own reporting on the lead up to the election in previous notes and articles in Notes from the Field. But it was possible, and it happened.
We have been celebrating with our Hungarian friends since last night, and also in our hearts and minds are those who are no longer with us to celebrate. Within hours of Tisza and Péter Magyar winning, Andrea Tompa emailed us from Budapest with this letter she wrote to her dear friend, Philip Arnoult. Andrea--a dramaturg, critic, and relentless advocate for Hungarian theatre--was one of the earliest and most important collaborators for CITD’s long-term work in Hungary. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this win, and honor the work of those who made it happen, than sharing her letter with you all.
Onward,
The CITD Team
Dear Philip,
Wherever you are—and I know that according to your faith, you did not believe that nothing comes after we physically leave this lovely and difficult world—I would like to share my joy: We won.
Yes, we did. The Hungarians and the rest of the world who supported freedom and democracy. You were among our loveliest supporters, my most special one, dear Philip Arnoult. You came here during the first dark times in the 1980s, and then through all the years, including the Orbán regime. Your question was always: “How can I help?” And you did help, as did the people you brought here.
If you were still with us in body, I am sure you would have been here during the final days of the Hungarian elections. You always wanted to know everything firsthand, to be in the middle of things, and to talk to people—even those you considered to be on a different political side.
It has been very, very long: 16 years of dark times.
You are celebrating with Hungarians now—with artists from the independent performing arts sectors and with people of all ages. Your question, and our question now, is: What’s next? How can the mess be cleared away? What lies beneath the ruins? What has remained, and what is our task now?
I have no clear answer yet. Today is a day of celebration. The day after will be one of grief and sorrow, as we face how deeply things were ruined. And then, let’s talk to each other, just as you always did: informally, over coffee and at the lunch table.
Thank you for your never-ending trust and support for Hungary. That trust and support continues; the people you believed in are still here. You loved to be surrounded by people, and they are continuing your work. Thank you for that.
Wherever you are, lots of love and champagne,
Andrea
