PAULINA KOMLÓSSY, OR THE LIFE OF A SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONAL SINGER IN THE 19TH CENTURY. FROM GRACIOUS NATIONAL DANCES TO TABLE-TURNING SÉANCES

Abstract

In Hungarian theatrical culture, the middle of the 19th centuryis a point of reference through the productions of the National Theatre in Pest. They broadened the horizons of career possibilities for artists performing on provincial stages and created a career model that was previously impossible. In this environment fuelled by a newly discovered competition of talents, Paulina Komlóssy holds a special place. Born into a family of actors, she was a singer, and after a careful refinement of her stage qualities in provincial theatres, she believed that she would achieve glory at the National Theatre. She also supported family members,so that they had access to contracts and roles. Unfortunately, her rather rural manners and rivalries between colleagues led to the cancellation of her contract with the National Theatre, which coincided with major historical changes. In the absence of a fix contract, the artist tried to conquer the audiencesby promoting spiritism.