Lithuanian Ministry of Culture Reacts to Juozas Miltinis Theatre Scandal, Urges Resolution

The Lithuanian Ministry of Culture has called on the Juozas Miltinis Theatre in Panevėžys to make every effort to resolve a current difficult situation. The ministry's representatives discussed the matter with the theater's director and the play's director.

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The current situation is unpleasant for both creators and audiences. The Ministry of Culture representatives have discussed this situation with the director of the Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre and the play's director... The theater director and his administration must make every effort to resolve the situation.

The theater recently announced the cancellation of all performances of "Macbeth," scheduled from August 9 to September 10. Ticket holders will receive automatic refunds within 10 business days. Those who purchased tickets at the box office must contact the theater via email by September 30 with their ticket details and bank account information.

According to Mindaugas Skersys, the theater's marketing and communications manager, the cancellations stem from a disagreement over terms with one of the lead actors, Tadas Gryn, who plays Macbeth. Gryn expressed shock and disappointment, suggesting he was unfairly dismissed. He stated that despite his efforts to ensure the play proceeded, the theater's management was unwilling to find a solution, instead presenting ultimatums.

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I was probably gotten rid of. I don't know the reasons, or maybe it was just a desire to show power. I am shocked; tickets were sold out for all performances. On the contrary, I tried to ensure the play happened and was shown, but there were no efforts or desire from the theater management to find a solution, except to raise their own conditions with an ultimatum.

Former theater actor Mindaugas Ancevičius voiced concerns about the theater's collapse under director Antanas Venckus's leadership, describing his methods as dictatorial and citing years of rising tension. Ancevičius warned that without plays featuring Gryn or directed by Aleksandras Špilevojus, the theater risks losing its repertoire, its audience, and its relevance to the city of Panevėžys.

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It is no longer possible to remain silent. The theater is collapsing from the foundations due to the director's, Antanas Venckus', ambitions.