The heads of Russian theaters opposed the plan proposed by the Ministry of Culture to “strengthen traditional values”

Russian theater directors have signed an open letter criticizing a project proposed by the Ministry of Culture to "strengthen traditional values". The text of the letter is published on the website of the Union of Theater Workers (STD).

The text says that the project of the Ministry of Culture "cannot positively affect society and citizens" and 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." The authors of the appeal believe that "the current legal acts are quite sufficient to regulate this sphere of public relations."

The open letter was signed by artistic director of the Malaya Bronnaya Theater Konstantin Bogomolov, director of the Taganka Theater Irina Apeksimova, artistic director of the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater Konstantin Khabensky, artistic director of the Satyricon Konstantin Raikin and others.

The appeal is addressed to the chairman of the STD Alexander Kalyagin, who previously also opposed the initiative of the Ministry of Culture. He called the project of the ministry "censorship" and said that its implementation could hinder the development of culture in the country.

Last week, on January 24, the Ministry of Culture published a project aimed at "preserving and strengthening traditional values" in Russia. Among its tasks are "countering the spread of destructive ideology", ensuring "Russia's moral leadership in international relations" and strengthening "Russian identity". The document also mentions raising children "in the spirit of traditional values" and "defending the institution of marriage as a union of a man and a woman."

The successful result of the implementation of the proposed state policy, according to the authors of the project, will be "saving the people of Russia."