The new strategy of decentralisation and international extroversion with partnerships in Greece and Europe is outlined in an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) by President of the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC), Pantelis Voutouris.
With a qualified Board of Directors, as he describes it, at his side, Voutouris acknowledges the numerous challenges facing THOC and prioritises solving chronic problems and developing strategic planning.
Speaking to CNA, Voutouris points to understaffing and the need to immediately fill critical positions, including that of the Director General, as the most urgent issues that the new administration must address in order to ensure the smooth operation and fulfilment of the Organisation’s multi-faceted mission.
The President of THOC welcomes the success of the current repertoire, despite the understaffing challenges faced by the Organisation, noting that with internal structural changes and the establishment of a special arts committee, THOC has managed to formulate a high quality programme for the theatre season 2024-2025, which has received an excellent response from the audience.
At the same time, with the aim of transforming the artistic theatre map of Cyprus, Voutouris reveals the ambitious plans of the Organisation to create a Drama School in Larnaca, a second THOC headquarters in Limassol and a Centre for Set Design in Ayia Napa.
Furthermore, he presents the Organisation’s new outward looking strategy, which includes the renewal of partnerships with Greek theatres, participation in international festivals and the creation of new partnerships with European theatres.
Asked about THOC’s challenges, Voutouris tells CNA that the challenges are many, noting that THOC is Cyprus’ state theatre with a multi-faceted mission. He stated that the concentration of THOC’s activities is in Nicosia stressing the need for decentralisation of THOC’s activities to all districts in order to fulfil its mission. He noted that some projects have been announced in this direction, including the creation of a second THOC headquarters in Limassol.
Voutouris says that both himself and the Board of Directors’ priority is the creation of theatre education, the general promotion of theatre and the creation of new jobs for Cypriot actors.
Asked about THOC’s international relations, Voutouris points out that THOC aims to promote productions in other countries, such as Greece, England and other European countries.
He also announces the renewal of memoranda of understanding with the two state theatres in Greece, the National Theatre of Northern Greece and the National Theatre of Athens. This cooperation, he explains, will include a two-way exchange and hosting of performances.
Voutouris adds that THOC is seeking to develop a network of international partnerships, in addition to the partnerships with Greece, which as he explains are easily formed as a result of the fact that a large number of Cypriot artists and creators have careers there. However, he stresses that it is THOC’s responsibility to support actors in Cyprus as well.
Also read: “He who dwells everywhere” at Nicosia Municipal Theatre
Source: CNA
