The actors themselves began renovating the only Youth Theatre in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
Actors at the Young Spectator's Theater in Komsomolsk-on-Amur have begun renovating their space and have already painted the building's façade. Upcoming renovations include rewiring the theater's wiring, foyer, and cloakroom.
The fight for the survival of the only Youth Theatre
In this way, the artists are trying to save the venue, which in recent years was threatened with complete closure. However, instead of major budgetary infusions, the group is once again relying on its own initiative.
This year and last year, we were scared by the huge sums we'd have to pay for repairs and safety data sheets. Around 100 million. That's truly an unrealistic amount for us. But we've already done the repairs ourselves, with the help of skilled hands and kind hearts. Well, the eyes fear, but the hands do.
Concerned audiences are also invited to participate in the building's restoration. This work is essential because last year, the city administration wanted to close Komsomolsk-on-Amur's only youth theater due to 1,5 million rubles in unpaid utility bills. At that time, authorities also cited the building's poor condition, prompting actors to hold charity concerts and performances to raise funds and pay off the debt.
Government conditions and pressure on regional theaters
This year, the authorities did renew the theater's lease. However, the main condition was mandatory renovations and the issuance of a building safety certificate. Therefore, without a fully updated electrical system, obtaining this certificate will be impossible.
As a result, other independent cultural projects in Russia's regions are facing similar problems. For example, theater companies are being evicted from premises favored by city authorities, and not only in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. In Sochi, for example, last year, an inclusive ballet school was evicted from a historic building in the city center, and in Nakhodka, Primorsky Krai, an independent theater was persecuted after an anti-fascist performance and forced to move out of the Youth Center.
