Colleagues at ETC Member Theatres, or connected to activities within the ETC network, have written to ETC to highlight the current situation for artists in Georgia. Their texts are available below.
Dear Friends,
For several days now we have permanent protests in cities and streets of Georgia. Probably you already saw reports in press and other media.
We would like to make it very clear what we protest and what we are standing for: we protest against postponing negotiations with the European Union to accept Georgia in the European family - we believe such act will lead to the isolation of the country;
We will be left alone against Russian aggression that we experienced many times and in different forms, including war and occupation of the country.
We protest against extreme violence against peaceful citizens in streets, injustice, censorship and humiliation of human rights .
We protect ourselves and our future.
As a Festival, we believe, we are driven, supported and protected by our audience. Our audience is there, in the streets of Tbilisi, protesting. We stand with them.
All of us are born for freedom, for peace and for constant development.
No peace without constant development.
And no development in isolation.
We are in one family together with European theaters.
We work and think together.
We will continue so and believe, your support us in such crucial times for our small, but strong, vital country, full of hopes.
Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre
Festival Team / Festival Board (ETC Member Theatre).
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Dearest ETC,
I imagine you have been following the current situation in Georgia—we are again fighting for our independence.
On November 27, Georgia's unconstitutional and de facto government announced the suspension of negotiations with the EU. This decision has sparked a public protest of unprecedented scale.
Since then, we have been facing relentless attacks from police forces controlled by the pro-Putin regime. Protesters, journalists, and artists are being beaten, tortured, arrested, and bullied. The government, which any European state has not recognised since the fraudulent elections of October 26, continues to violate fundamental rights. For the past week, two hundred thousand people have filled Tbilisi’s main avenue, resisting oppression.
Freedom of expression has been entirely disregarded. Actors and directors have been assaulted and detained. Journalists, mainly, have been targeted, many sustaining life-altering injuries. Over 400 people have been unlawfully arrested, their homes raided, and families terrorised. Nearly 350 protesters are in hospitals with severe injuries.
In response, the Georgian theatre community went on strike yesterday. We are demanding the immediate release of unlawfully detained colleagues, an end to police violence, and the restoration of constitutional order through new, fair elections.
Adding to the injustice, the Opera Theatre and Rustaveli National Theatre have reportedly been repurposed as bases for police operations against civilians—a grim reflection of what culture represents under this regime.
To worsen matters, on December 2, a Russian-style “Anti-LGBTQ+ Propaganda Law” was enacted, effectively instituting censorship in art and media.
Today, we find ourselves fighting for freedom and independence once again. The echoes of past Russian repressions reverberate through this struggle, but we remain steadfast and unafraid. We will not stop fighting.
Heidi, the international community's attention and support are critical. Our European colleagues and allies must stand with us as we fight for our shared future.
Thank you for your time and solidarity. Your support means the world to us in this dark hour.
With warmest regards and unwavering hope,
Victory is on the horizon!
It would mean so much if you could help us spread the word and get support from our partner theatres, theatre festivals, and the artistic community. Actors, directors, artists, and art students in Georgia face constant threats—Georgian theatres are on strike, and their actors are on the frontline of resistance. Every day, our colleagues are being targeted, beaten, and arrested while standing up for the values we all share. A few words of encouragement worldwide could make such a difference in spirit. So that we know that theatres in Europe notice our fight and encourage us! ❤️✊
Sincerely,
Data Tavadze, Director of the Royal District Theatre in Tbilisi, and winner of the Fast Foward European Festival for Young Stage Directors Jury Prize in 2016.
Main image: “INVENTIONS” by Mal Pelo, on 14.10.2023 at Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre
📸 Juda-khatia Psuturi
