President of the Republic Demetris Christofias laid the foundation stone on Monday for the State Theatre of the Cyprus Theatrical Organisation, assuring that culture was a priority for the government.
He added that the continuing Turkish occupation of the island's northern third since the 1974 invasion, consumerism, the commercialisation of art, the mass subculture, the rise of violence and criminality, gradually erode the society of Cyprus and break the social fabric, and that is why the government and society at large have a duty to support culture in general.
The foundation stone was laid on the construction site of the new building, a former football stadium, in Nicosia. Work is expected to be completed by the year 2011 and the total cost is estimated at 20.5 million euros. The finished project will include two theatres with a capacity of 500 and 200 seats, the offices of the Theatrical Organisation, rehearsal halls, exhibition areas, a cafeteria and other facilities.
Director of the Theatrical Organisation Varnavas Kyriazis said the new building was not just a necessity but also a symbol for the country, adding that ''the state is not merely laying the foundations of the State Theatre but is establishing the long term integrity of the theatrical word as a podium of culture for the generations of today and tomorrow.''
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Theatrical Organisation Demetris Karayiannis said ''today is a significant moment for the people serving the theatre and civilisation,'' and assured that ''we will continue to eagerly offer culture to our people.''
Minister of Education and Culture Andreas Demetriou said ''the initiative of the government to proceed with the construction of the State Theatre is a courageous decision, which will greatly contribute to the further development and upgrading of theatre in our country, contributing at the same time to the enhancement of the cultural infrastructure of our homeland.''
In his speech, President Christofias said that ''for our government, culture is a priority'' and noted that ''the theatre is a social art and thus the people serving it have a decisive role to play in defending and cultivating collective conscience. This is the role and the mission of the theatre and all those serving it. To act as a single and irreplaceable conductor of communication, uniting people,'' he said.
President Christofias noted also that ''a state that wants to educate a sensitive people, with critical thought, that wants to teach respect towards people, equality, freedom, collective work, solidarity, cannot but place theatre on the highest level of its cultural and educational decisions,'' and assured that ''our government gives theatre, and culture in general, this priority, and in this direction we will continue to strive.''
