The staff of GOY Theatre has been protesting outside the theatre’s entrance for 25 days, demanding the continuation of its independent operations. Since November 7, the theatre’s actors have staged a sit-in, urging the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (MoESCS) to provide an interim solution that allows GOY Theatre to function independently until the courts and law enforcement authorities resolve the ongoing dispute.
The Administrative Court held hearings on November 25 and 26 regarding the government’s decision to merge GOY Theatre with the Gabriel Sundukyan National Academic Theatre. However, no resolution was reached, and the theatre staff continues their protest, maintaining their stance against the merger.
The government’s decision to merge the two theatres has been met with strong opposition from GOY Theatre’s actors and creative team. They insist on preserving GOY Theatre as a separate entity, arguing that they do not wish to join Sundukyan Theatre’s operations. They have legally challenged the decision in court, citing the need to maintain their independent space for artistic expression.
The primary demand of the protesting staff is clear: GOY Theatre must remain an independent institution with the right to create and perform in its current space, free from external control or forced consolidation.