AKEL on World Theatre Day
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 28th March 2021, Nicosia
This year’s World Theatre Day finds everyone involved in theatrical activity in an extremely difficult situation. We have already entered the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effects of the measures taken to confront it are becoming more and more painful. A large number of theatre people are in despair. Theatrical stages and organizations cannot meet even their elementary pressing financial needs. All this is happening at a time when Cypriot theatre has been advancing, when young talented actors and directors confirm on stage their great talent, while important plays are being written by Cypriot authors.
At the same time, hundreds of amateur theatre volunteers at a neighborhood level, in local clubs and schools have been forced away from theatrical stages. The loss is huge both for the people involved in theatre, but also for society.
AKEL, recognizing the contribution theatre makes to the cultivation of values and society’s intellectual development, but also the people’s need to resort to the spirit, truths and beauty of the art of theatre, is constantly working for the continuation of theatrical activity with as few losses as possible. We have asserted and are fighting for a considerable increase in funds for the theatre. We support the demand projected by all Theatres for the need to amend the Ministry of Health’s health protocols and for larger numbers of people to be allowed to follow performances. It is generally accepted that every protective measure has been and is being taken in cultural grounds.
Unfortunately, the government ruling forces continue to treat theatrical and cultural activity in general as a luxury and not as an irreplaceable social activity. The measures taken to deal with the pandemic always leave cultural activity on the sidelines. The government must proceed without any delay to the substantial reopening of theatrical arenas, but also to the significant increase in funds allocated for the theatre.
On this occasion too, we stress that AKEL will continue to put cultural activity high among its priorities. The flame of true culture that illuminates the scene of everyday life, that projects the pain, suffering, but also the dreams of the people, cannot and should never be extinguished. All together we can and will succeed.
