Hungarian performing artists: Centenary of the birth of Rodolfo (Rezső Gács), Lajos Básti and Manyi
Date of issue: 28 March 2011
To mark the centenary of their birth, Rezső Gács (stage name Rodolfo), Lajos Básti and Manyi Kiss appear on the stamps. Rezső Gács, stage name Rodolfo – (1911-87) Artist of Merit (1960), Artist of Excellence (1971) and SZOT (National Trades Union Council) Award (1980). Inspired to take up conjuring by a Chinese pearl seller, he was encouraged and taught by Zuárd Odry, who also gave Gács his stage name, Rodolfo Grosso. In January 1931 he became a member of the Society of Hungarian Artistes. Not only was he contracted at many popular venues in Budapest, but he also travelled the world as an entertainer. From 1967 he took part as an invited performer at international congresses of magicians. The secret of his success was practising his tricks to perfection and his ability to create a rapport with the audience. Even after he retired, he practised four hours a day. His well-known slogan was “Watch my hands – I’m cheating!”
Lajos Básti (1911-77) Artist of Merit (1954), Kossuth Prize (1955), Artist of Excellence (1963) and SZOT Award (1965). After graduating from the Academy of Dramatic Arts, he began his career at the Bárdos Artúr Theatre in downtown Budapest, and then joined Budapest’s Comedy Theatre in 1937. In 1941 he was still appearing in the Magyar and Andrássy Theatres, but then could not appear on stage until the end of World War II. Between two periods of forced labour he was involved in book publishing and writing. After 1945 he became a distinguished artist at the National Theatre. His marvellous voice meant that he could also play singing and operetta hero roles. Besides numerous film roles, he is also remembered for his outstanding poetry recitals. He taught at the Academy of Drama and Film be-tween 1952 and 1960.
Manyi Kiss (1911-1971) Jászai Mari Award (1954), Kossuth Prize (1957), Artist of Merit (1962), Artist of Excellence (1964) and SZOT Award (1970). She began her career in Kolozsvár (today Cluj in Romania), Miskolc and Szeged, using her natural acting and excellent dancing and singing abilities to good effect in soubrette and comic roles. After 1932 she appeared with her husband, an Italian artiste, in circuses abroad, and then made her Budapest debut in 1934. She continued her career at the Podium Cabaret and Király Theatres before contracting in 1938 with the Budapest Operetta Theatre. She played in numerous other Budapest theatres and then joined the Comedy Theatre in 1943. She soon became a favourite with Budapest audiences. In 1954 she contracted with the Madách Theatre. In the 1950s her prowess in dramatic roles was discovered. (Source: hu.wikipedia.org)
The stamp designs, in order of face value, feature the por-traits of Rezső Gács (stage name Rodolfo), Lajos Básti and Manyi Kiss. Next to each artist are objects associated with their work, namely cards and a magic wand, Rodolfo’s indis-pensable props for conjuring tricks; a crown, reflecting the motto about Lajos Básti “the king of actors, the actor of kings” as well as a violin and a manuscript referring to his artistic versatility and literary activities; and a cream cake, known from Manyi Kiss’s evergreen song. The design of the first day covers and the postmarks are graphic compositions of objects referring to the artists’ life and works.
Order code: Stamp: 2011060010011 (Gács R.) 2011050010011 (Básti L.) 2011040010011 (Kiss M.) FDC: 2011060060012 (Gács R.) 2011050060012 (Básti L.) 2011040060012 (Kiss M.)
Date of issue: 28 March 2011
Face value: HUF 960
Number of copies issued: 300,000
Perforated size of stamp: 45 x 30 mm (50 stamps/sheet)
Printing method: 4-colour offset
Printed by Pénzjegynyomda
Designed by Péter Nagy
Photo: Hungarian Theatre Museum and Institute (HUF 370 stamp)
