Imre Földes (writer)


Imre Földes, born Imre Fleischmann, also known as Emmerich Feld was a Hungarian playwright and librettist.

Biography

He originally worked as a government official in Budapest. In his spare time, he wrote historical plays in verse. His first work to receive a performance, in 1904, was A Király Arája, which was presented at the National Theatre. A long series of Romantic dramas followed; three of which won awards from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Much of his audience appeal was derived from his handling of social topics. In A Császár Katonái, he depicted the anti-Hungarian attitudes that were widespread in the Austro-Hungarian Army. In Hivatalnok Urak, he portrays the lives of government officials who behave like the public's masters, while unable to solve their own daily problems.
Critics described his plays as "more or less Socialist oriented" and filled with "shocking" scenes. He was especially good at portraying the Jewish community of Budapest. In his later works, the criticisms are somewhat muted.
He also wrote some light comedies, in the style of Edmond Rostand, and co-authored librettos for operettas; notably Viktória and Hawaii rózsája. He published a number of short stories in newspapers and magazines as well.