Sláger Kult | Valuska László | 15 éves a Margó – Irodalmi ünnep a Kristály Színtéren | Aki kérdez: S. Miller András

·20 min·2 clips

The festival features a Nobel Prize celebration for László Krasznahorkai and closes with underground rap band GULÁS DDT.

The episode begins with the host introducing the show Sláger Kult and its guest, László Valuska, director of the Margó Literature Festival. Valuska explains that the festival is in its 15th year and will take place from April 9th to 11th, coinciding with Hungary's National Assembly election period. He describes his current mental state as preparing for the event, likening it to a sports team before a big match. Valuska details three key conversations he will host at the festival: one with Krisztián Sütcz about his self-published book, another with Christian Grecso marking his 50th birthday, and a third with poet Anna Terék. He recounts the festival's origins, starting in small venues like kitchens and pubs in a town, before evolving into a three-day festival on Margit Island in Budapest, now attracting 4,000-5,000 people. Valuska emphasizes that the festival aims to showcase contemporary Hungarian literature as accessible and engaging, countering perceptions of it as difficult. He outlines three main events: a celebration of Géza Bereményi's 80th birthday with musicians, a program honoring Nobel laureate László Krasznahorkai with film composer Mihály Víg, and a closing night featuring poet Simon Márton and rap band GULÁS DDT. The festival also includes paperless storytelling sessions and stand-up comedy. Valuska notes that Margó organizes three festivals annually in Budapest and the Káli Basin. He reflects on the festival's mission to promote Hungarian literature and reading, arguing that books have remained largely unchanged compared to other media like film or music. Valuska discusses the competition for attention among cultural activities but stresses the unique, reflective experience of reading. He reveals that he does not write books himself but focuses on journalism about books. The episode concludes with the festival's website, margofest.hu, and a thank-you to Valuska.

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