Theatre groups point out ‘room for improvement’ in Thimeli plan

Theatre groups on Saturday pointed out “room for improvement” in the government’s “Thimeli” plan, which provides funding to performing arts groups in Cyprus.

While grateful for the initial steps taken by the government in this regard, they say more can be done to ensure the future and sustainability of Cypriot theatre.

Paris Erotokritou, artistic director of the Fresh Target Theatre Ensemble, told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that despite his group coming first in the ranking for application for the Thimeli project, “we received an amount which on paper may not be enough [to cover] our budget.”

Despite this, however, he remained positive. “We do not expect the state to support us 100 per cent. In any case, the Thimeli plan does not provide for such a thing.”

With this in mind, he suggested that the deputy ministry of culture and theatre organisations “should perhaps find other, indirect ways of supporting culture … which do not involve financial support.”

He suggested ideas such as a business tax exemption scheme and the abolition of the “entertainment tax” on venues. To this end, he said the new Youth Culture Card announced by the government last month is “a step in the right direction”.

Meanwhile, actor and director Marios Mettis told CNA that “there are some promising points [in the Thimeli plan] but even so, the plan needs significant restructuring.”

One change he put forward was an expansion of the current contract period for funding, which is currently set at three months.

“This is outside the reality of local theatre,” he said.

He added that while the Thimeli plan “may patch things up for the time being”, more permanent solutions are required to permanently secure the sustainability of Cypriot theatre.

Actress and director Nayia Anastasiadou said changes should be made to the Thimeli plan but congratulated the deputy ministry of culture for “planting the seed of better communication” with regards to future changes.

She added that she believes there is a “willingness, both on the part of the deputy ministry of culture and theatre organisations, for better communication on issues which pertain to the sector.”

She also said funds should be increased in the plan, and other forms of promotion for theatre organisations should be considered and remained optimistic for their outcome.

“Some steps are being taken with the Thimeli plan, there is a discussion, something is cooking,” she said.

Yiannos Louros of Theatro Dentro said he is satisfied with the current results of the Thimeli plan, but said the grants given should be based on the amount requested by theatre organisations, and that lower amounts should not be given.

He said when this happens, “we are forced to cut costs which first impact actors’ salaries and then other aspects of a production.”