**New Bill Would Change Theater Management System**
A bill was introduced in the Georgian parliament on February 26. It would change how theaters are run in Georgia. The bill was proposed by lawmakers from the ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), and the opposition party People’s Power.
**One Leader Instead of Two**
The current system has two leaders: an artistic director and a theater director. The artistic director is in charge of creative work, while the theater director handles administrative tasks. The new bill would merge these roles into one position, with the theater director being the sole leader. This person would be responsible for both creative and administrative decisions.
**Changes to Appointments and Dismissals**
The bill also makes changes to how theater directors are appointed and dismissed. Currently, there is no competitive process for appointing theater directors, and dismissal procedures are unclear. The new bill would introduce a structured competitive selection process to attract talented young people and professionals in the field.
Additionally, all current state and municipal theater directors would be immediately dismissed if the law is passed. However, they would have 10 days to apply for a vacant position within the same theater. If no vacancy exists or if they do not seek reappointment, they would receive compensation equivalent to three months’ last salary.
**Opposition Reacts**
The opposition sees this bill as an attempt by the ruling party to tighten its grip on cultural institutions. They claim that the changes are “repressive in nature” and only serve one purpose: to bring theaters under the strict control of the regime’s party vertical.
This move comes amid ongoing pro-EU protests across the country, which have seen theater actors and directors actively involved. The protests have entered their 91st consecutive day, with many Georgians calling for greater freedom and democracy.
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