The Latvian Theatre Workers' Union has raised concerns about potential interference with a performance of 'The President' by playwright Matīss Gricmanis, planned at ETC member Dailes Theatre, in Riga.
In a statement, the Latvian Theatre Workers' Union calls on the international cultural community to support Latvian theatre, "which is currently facing pressure from political and state institutions — a challenge that many theatre practitioners around the world have encountered in recent years."
Responding to the events, Executive Director of the European Theatre Convention, Heidi Wiley, said:
"It is concerning to read the statement by the Latvian Theatre Workers Union about the developing situation at ETC Member Dailes Theatre and the potential evaluation of their planned performance of 'The President' by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), requested by a member of the Latvian parliament.
We call upon the Latvian government to safeguard freedom of artistic expression, the autonomy of cultural institutions and their artistic programme as an essential component of free, democratic societies across Europe."
