Statement of the UTE regarding the situation of the theatres in Hungary

The members of the Union of Theatres of Europe (UTE) are following with concern the current situation of the theatres in Hungary and the legislative measures that are trying, to any extent, to limit the freedom of expression and to increase the influence and the decisional authority on the theatre institutions. We condemn any attempt to restrain the freedom and independence of the theatres by introducing any kind of censorship. Our conviction is that theatre serves the dialogue between nations through the ideal of artistic freedom, therefore, by its nature, it doesn’t tolerate any kind of political influence. We also expect that our members take a firm position against all forms of political pressure oriented towards the theatre institutions, regardless of which side they are coming from. We express our hope that the situation of the theatres in Hungary will be resolved through dialogue and responsible decisions, and theatre will remain a major unifying force of the Hungarian and the European culture as well.