Russian theaters supported Alexander Kalyagin, who criticized the draft principles of state policy on traditional values

Artistic directors of major Russian theatres supported the chairman of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia, Alexander Kalyagin , who spoke out against the project “Fundamentals of state policy for the preservation and strengthening of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.”

In an open letter published on the website of the Union of Theatre Workers, the heads of theatres in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities stated that the proposed project duplicates the decrees of the President of the Russian Federation, which speak of traditional values.

It seems to us that the proposed draft decree cannot have a positive impact on society and citizens, on scientists, teachers, and artists. Its adoption will in no way contribute to the preservation and enhancement of spiritual and moral values, the education of patriotism and love for our Motherland. We subscribe to the fact that the current legal acts are quite sufficient to regulate this sphere of social relations.

The open letter was signed, among others, by the artistic director of the Chekhov Moscow Art Theatre Konstantin Khabensky, the artistic director of the Satirikon Theatre Konstantin Raikin, the artistic director of the Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theatre Andrei Moguchy, and the general director of the Bolshoi Theatre Vladimir Urin.

On January 31, Alexander Kalyagin made an address in which he criticized the draft principles of state policy on traditional values. According to him, the draft implies that "state support for culture and education is impossible without establishing additional control," and "anything that is not related to preserving traditional values ​​is unnecessary, moreover, prohibited." Kalyagin believes that all this will hinder the development of culture and creative experiments.

• In December 2021, the Russian Ministry of Culture submitted a draft decree of the President of the Russian Federation on the principles of state policy on traditional values ​​for public discussion. The document included a list of traditional values, as well as a list of destructive and alien ideas. The public discussion is taking place on the website regulation.gov.ru until February 4.