Michele Riml: Sexpedition

  • improvisational theater, social comedy
  • Batthyány Heritage Center and Theater Hall

Event details

Location
Batthyány Heritage Center and Theater Hall
Date
Organizer
Batthyány Heritage Center and Theater Hall

Michele Riml's Sexpedition is a contemporary Canadian play that has enjoyed great success worldwide, tackling one of the most sensitive taboos in long-distance relationships: the loss of sexual intimacy and closeness. The plot of the play centers on Alice and Henry, who, after twenty years of marriage, three children, and the monotony of everyday life, retreat to an elegant hotel room for a weekend. Their goal is to rekindle the old "spark." Alice arrives with a handbook entitled "Sex for Professionals," special lingerie, and great determination, while Henry would rather just watch the news on TV. Their initial clumsy attempts—such as roleplay or sharing their strange fantasies— lead to a series of comical situations, but behind the laughter lie deeper wounds, fear of aging, and the real reasons for estrangement. Why is it worth watching?

  • A distorted reflection: the play presents the institution of marriage with brutal honesty but also a great deal of humor, which many viewers will recognize in themselves.
  • An emotional roller coaster: although it is essentially a comedy, the story also has dramatic climaxes, where the possibility of separation arises before the couple finds each other again.
  • Sparkling dialogue: Michele Riml's style is light-hearted and realistic, and the punchlines are based on a subtle observation of relationship dynamics.

Hungarian productions In Hungary: the best-known and currently running version of the play is the Spirit Theater production, in which the leading roles are played by Barbara Hegyi and Zoltan Seress. The performance lasts 90 minutes without intermission and will also be shown in February 2026 in rural locations (such as Győr) and theaters in Budapest. Recommended for: primarily recommended for adult audiences, married couples, and those who enjoy high-quality, thought-provoking boulevard theater.