Focus Workshop from Szeged was established in 2003 by Imola Orsolya Benkő, the current artistic director. Their previous productions have achieved success in many theatres and festivals, among them Katona József Theatre in Kecskemét, Szkéné Theatre in Budapest, in Pécs, the Valley of Arts, Kosztolányi Dezső Theatre in Subotica, Serbia, the Night of Independent Theatres in Budapest, as well as international festivals. 
The company defines itself as ’research theatre’: they are committed to seeking new forms and communicative channels to theatrical expression. The focus of their research is the spectator, who is expected to react and interpret, and whose physical presence and reception strategies are parts of the performance.

Happy Hour is a wandering concert blending the components of a concert with action art, street art and theatre. Apart from Szeged, the concert is touring for a year in other towns at inside and outside venues, at summer and autumn festivals. This unique show is maneuvering between theatre and concert, poetry and music, blood and desire, dream and reality, passion and peace. As the title suggests the aim is to give a really happy hour to the audience. Happiness is the main motive of the concert but three other topics are also included: hope - hope for happiness, happy life - longing for a happy life and a very special moment of happiness when we see things clearly. Show elements are as important parts of the concert as music and poetry. Poems by Lajos Parti Nagy, Dániel Varró, Ákos Fodor, Domokos Szilágyi, János Pilinszky, Miklós Radnóti and Attila József are interpreted in a very spectacular context. The poems and excerpts aren’t performed in a traditional way, but serve as the source of humour or stunning and grotesque elements whether they are whispered, beatboxed or interpreted in a dadaist style.

created by: Kata Csorba (vocals), István-Pipu Seres (vocals), Norbert Varga (vocals, guitar), Zsolt Préda-Kovács (clarinet, saxophone, vocals), Bogi Tóth (piano)
composer: Zsolt Préda-Kovács, Focus Műhely, Bogi Tóth
scenery, lights: Gábor Szabó
costume: Cecília Szántó
concert-idea: Imola Orsolya Benkő

Supported by: MASZK Egyesület (Szeged), REÖK, OKM

www.focusmuhely.hu