ArmInfo.There is a clear restructuring process underway, within which the repertoire, creative freedom and funding of the Goy Theater will be maintained, just only it will function under the auspices of the National Academic Theaternamed after G. Sundukyan.
Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan stated during government hour, answering questions from parliamentarians. "This is the pure truth that we are trying to convey, but we are always faced with different types of manipulations, the grounds and reasons for which we do not understand," she emphasized.
The minister noted that we are talking about the unification of two structures operating under one roof. In this regard, she recalled that the Sundukyan Theater covered the expenses of the Goy Theater for utilities, therefore, there was no need to talk about complete independence and autonomy.
As advantages after the merger, Andreasyan pointed to the stage areas of the National Academy of Theater named after. G. Sundukyan, which can be used by the Goy theater team, which will further expand creative freedom, contribute to initiative and the implementation of new programs. "And instead of doing all this, we are busy with some conversations that are not at all related to the ongoing process," emphasized the head of the Ministry of Education and Science. She also recalled the accusations against the Ministry regarding the theatrical repertoire, noting in this vein that the latter are unfounded, since the department does not make decisions on the repertoire of any of the theater groups operating in Armenia.
Speaker of the Parliament Alen Simonyan suggested that Zhanna Andreasyan organize a meeting with all the staff of the Goy Theater to eliminate disagreements on this issue, to which the minister noted that she is always open to discussions.
In May 2023, the Armenian government decided to include the 'Goy' National Experimental Performing Arts Center in the National Academic Theater named after G. Sundukyan. The draft justification for this decision stated that the reorganization of the theater would help concentrate professional resources and develop the potential of these organizations, and would also stimulate an increase in financial resources. The decision is aimed at more effective and targeted use of the creative potential of the Goy Theater.
The Goy Theater itself and a number of representatives of the creative intelligentsia of Armenia opposed such a decision. However, the MESCS went further, appointing new director of the Theater (Karen Simonyan)in December 2023, who yesterday signed a government decree agreeing to the merger. This caused dissatisfaction, as a result of which a protest rally was held near the building of the relevant department, during which the Theater employees announced their intention to appeal to the ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) to protect their rights and interests.
Next, a general meeting was held at the Goy Theater, at which the participants signed a protocol expressing no confidence in Karen Simonyan and the formation of a Management Council. The latter is authorized to approve the organization's activity programs, internal regulatory documents and perform other powers that do not contradict the Law of the Republic of Armenia.