S. Kairys answered the criticism of the theaters, whether there will be a dramaturgy category “Golden stage crosses” | Culture

“This is what happens when you direct your own plays… On the other hand, it’s sad, but it’s the only way nowadays for playwrights to get into the theater festival organized by the Ministry of Culture.” Unfortunately, I feel like W.Shakespeare’s Romeo, sneaking into the Capulet’s feast, where he was completely unexpected,” – last year A. Špilevojus said on Wednesday.

After the mood subsided, Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys expressed his position on his Facebook account. Here is the full text:

“In a free and democratic society, freedom of thought is unquestionable. Even at the award ceremony, even criticism of the ministry, although the ministry in this case is not exactly the addressee.

Every time, an authoritative and responsible commission is formed, which decides the nominations, nominees and winners of the Golden Stage Crosses.

I will remind you that since 2011 There are no specifically defined bonuses in the regulations for awarding professional performing arts awards. Only the number of bonuses (17) is defined, and it is also indicated that one bonus can be awarded for long-term contribution to the performing arts, one for searching for new forms of stage expression.

The Ministry cannot in any way influence the commission’s decisions, cannot change them, instruct someone not to award a bonus or nomination or, on the contrary, award it, etc. The Ministry must ensure the formation of the commission.

Yes, the 2008 agenda included a list of mandatory nominations, including the “national dramaturgy” prize. in 2009 this point is gone. The regulations left the statement that prizes can be awarded in the field of “national dramaturgy”.

Thus, the commission makes all decisions by itself, taking into account the actualities, results, trends, etc. of the specific year.

But there is an initiative to record the national dramaturgy prize. Only in this case, other bonuses that must be provided should be recorded. And that will require an agreement.

With the authors of the petition, other representatives of the performing arts, we will see the need to discuss how we could change or improve the existing procedures.

In culture, it is very important to maintain a respectful distance between the state institution and the artists. I believe that questions and potential problems are always better dealt with by helping to find solutions, being a moderator, rather than simply stating that ‘this is how it will be now.'”