Maiden danced to death (Deviški ples smrti)

Summary

After the fall of the iron curtain artists from new Europe are faced with new political, philosophical and artistic questions. What are the relationships between art, the public, the government and trade? Mass culture was supported under Communism for political reasons. The market economy does the same, but for financial reasons. Is this "the necessary evil" or a challenge that elevates their art to a higher level?

Hundreds of thousands of Hungarians have escaped from their country under the Communist regime. They have been envied, but also outcast for decades. They have to fight through stereotypes, deeply routed in their countrymen's and their own heads if they want to actively work in Hungary. Can these "lost sons" bring new experience home or have they already "danced to death"? Can they ever return home?

Two brothers choose different paths. Their parents are Slovenians, who escaped to Hungary during the Informbiro period, because they did not want to recant Stalin's policy. Gyula lived in Communist Hungary and made "the necessary compromises" to keep his dance group and live for his art. Steve did not want to give in. When he could no onger return to Hungary, he was faced with financial realities of the west. They blame each other for "selling out", but never the less need each other: artistic integrity on one side and financial capability on the other. Brothers reunite in their love of dance, but their methods and objectives differ. Who is right? Is the answer to that question relevant at all? Is there a common way?

Maiden danced to death, an old Hungarian ballad about the devil, who allures a young maiden to a dance and steals her soul, becomes the force behind the duel / partnership of two brothers and an overview of the key compromises, which we willingly make. When do "necessary evil", "convenience" or "suitability" mutate into betrayal of our own talent, our principles and our essence? Does this bring artistic or personal salvation? "Maiden danced to death" is a dance on the edge of a razor blade.