Culture: Slovak National Theatre to Cut Nearly 10 percent of Jobs

Bratislava, 30 December (TASR) – The Slovak National Theatre (SND) is cancelling almost 10 percent of its posts in total, with the consolidation-related measure set to affect all units of the theatre — including ballet, opera, drama, artistic and stage workshops as well as administration — but the measures won't affect performances, according to a statement provided to TASR by SND. "Government regulations, as well as the budget approved by Parliament ... require savings in salary costs across all areas, culture included. The lay-offs affect all ministries and all state institutions, therefore," said SND. "Of course, this has also affected the drama department, with five actors moving from internal staff to external status," stated SND. It added that contracts for external cooperation have been concluded with these actors, so the measures won't affect the performance of planned plays and "audiences won't be deprived" of them. The Culture Ministry told TASR that the leadership of the ministry never interferes in specific managerial decisions of organisations under its founding authority. The Slovak National Theatre also considers the matter to be internal one and has called media statements by actors purpose-built. According to media reports, five members of the drama ensemble - Martin Salacha, Daniel Zulcak, Roman Polacik, Anna Magdalena Hrobonova and Tana Pauhofova - are to leave SND. The opposition and the actors affected have spoken of possible political interference aimed against them over their critical stances. mf/df