Their intention to resign unless they have “practical indications” that Presidential Decree 85/2022, which they say is degrading artist’s degreeis heading for modification, its lecturers said at a press conference yesterday Drama School of the National Theater. They have set a deadline of February 8 for their request, as they say it is the “cut-off” date for losing the school year.

Dio Cagelari, Vice Principal of the National Theater School of Drama (where students study), expressed her solidarity with faculty and students’ demand for amendments to the PD, but was optimistic that a solution would be found. found as the request concerns “the entire artistic and intellectual world”.

Representing the Theater School Teachers Association, Mr. Nikos Hatsopoulos noted that the Association is aware that the decision on the evaluation of dramaturgy can take a long time. However, he added, what is needed is political will and clear signs that “the processes will finally start.” In this context, the Association will take a number of actions which (in addition to the request for amendments to the AP and the possibility of resignation of professors) include a request for a hearing of the Prime Minister and relevant ministers, support for private theater schools that have already submitted a request to the Council of Ministers to cancel the AP, processing other proposals in cooperation with the legal service of the National Theatre, as well as dialogue with professors from other schools and faculties of theater studies.

AT question from K Ms. Cangelari recalled that if the teachers have the artistic director’s support for the above, then both the board of directors and the artistic director of the National Theater have expressed their serious concerns about the controversial PD by making a recent announcement about them. “From now on,” added Mr. Hatzopoulos, “the teachers’ association also has autonomy and is not directly dependent on the artistic direction.”

In an interview with “K” Yannis Rigas, head teacher of the Drama School of the State Theater of Northern Greece (which is also under occupation), said that the teachers’ association would determine its position in the coming days. “My personal opinion,” Mr. Rigas said, “is that P.D. it should be withdrawn, and the state should ask the opinion of those who are directly involved in teaching acting, that is, those who teach acting.

Immediately after yesterday’s press conference, the teachers of the National Theater Drama School held their first meeting with the Deputy Minister of Contemporary Culture Nicola Jatromanolaki. According to Mr. Giatromanolakis, the meeting was held in a good atmosphere, the teachers recognized the special role of the Ministry of Culture in this issue. The Deputy Minister expressed his intention to continue discussions with the teachers and forward their requests to the competent ministries as soon as they crystallize.