The concern and worries regarding the selection of participants for the Ancient Greek Drama Festival for the summer of 2024 are jointly expressed by the Cyprus Actors’ Union and the Branch of Theatre Artists of PEO.
The concern arises from the fact that, once again, there will be no Cypriot representation at the most significant event for ancient drama in Cyprus.
While expressing their respect for the decisions of the Committee and the work of the members of the Cypriot Centre of the International Theatre Institute, the two organisations suggest that their role should not be limited to accepting or rejecting proposals.
They believe there are ways in which they can substantially contribute to the theatrical development of the region, promote local artists, and enhance the Festival itself.
“The position that, after the withdrawal of Ms. Zira’s proposal, no other Cypriot production is deemed worthy to represent Cyprus at the national event may be technically correct and in accordance with the terms of the announcement, but it leaves none of the involved parties satisfied,” it is noted.
“The committee could inform the applicants in detail about the reasons for rejection and provide them with the opportunity to upgrade their specific or future proposals.”
The organised actors believe that the organisers, faced with the possibility of no Cypriot representation, could approach the artist with the least deficient proposal and assist them in improving or revising it.
It is also suggested that the organisers could announce a new application period and open a dialogue between organisations and artists “to identify the reasons why the proposals of the Cypriots seem (based on the evaluation by the Committee) to be lacking and collectively find ways to improve them.”
The Cyprus Actors’ Union and the Branch of PEO emphasise that, on a practical level, the decision of the committee deprives a number of Cypriot artists of another job opportunity, at a time when the industry is already under immense pressure.
However, beyond the professional aspect, “without any right or intention to challenge the decisions of the Selection Committee regarding the artistic proposals of the applicants,” the two organisations express their concerns about other equally important issues that arise.
“This Festival is the only platform in Cyprus that can give a stage to young or older Cypriot directors for study and presentation of integrated work on Ancient Drama. We consider it self-evident that Cypriot creators should be represented and tested at the Festival,” it is stressed.
