Journalist J. Baltrukonytė also reacted on the social network “Facebook” to the cancellation of director Aleksandras Špilevojus’s play “Macbeth”. She stated that the details of the published contract would help unravel the whole situation.
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She agreed to share the post also with the readers of the portal Žmonės.lt.
“Why did Macbeth disappear in Panevėžys?
The news about the canceled “Macbeth” in Panevėžys, surrounded by rumors and poor communication, tragically coincides with the content of V. Shakespeare’s play, the main idea being that uncontrolled thirst for power and ambition can destroy humanity in a person.
Who is to blame for the cancellation of the performances? Both sides are pulling trump cards, but for some reason the main one is not mentioned or shown.
The contract. It would explain everything. At least excerpts from it, without confidential details. But now it feels like pity for both sides…
After all, when I write a book, even before it’s halfway done, the publisher immediately sends and negotiates the fee. They never send a new amount or rewrite the contract on the last night before sending it to the printer. Everything is clear to both parties.
So, speaking about money, since it is most often mentioned in the cancellation of “Macbeth” and theater communication, a normal question arises for me – what is stipulated in the contract, since such exists? This is not just a guest one-time actor for an unclear fee? Which side is violating the contract? Why are negotiations taking place before the premiere? Did financial blackmail happen?
Strange situation.
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Without more precise details, it is impossible to support or condemn any side.
We await continuation,” wrote J. Baltrukonytė.
Dozens of comments poured in under the post. Lawyer Vilija Viešūnaitė also joined the discussion.
“Very good question. I have been working in this field for a long time and I can say that the contract is still not the most important thing in the art world. Recently, maybe a bit more often, but certainly not always. And then, in many cases, the weaker party suffers – the artist. This time everyone suffered: the artist, the theater, the audience, because the artist did not agree to be the weaker party and suffer alone, to work ‘for the idea,’ as was customary for a long time. But maybe this is awakening?” wrote the lawyer.
Other friends and followers of J. Baltrukonytė also did not remain indifferent to the situation.
“Some double standards. It is low for an artist/employee to have financial expectations, but for the theater/employer to count money and profit at the expense of someone else’s abilities/talents is completely acceptable? Do they show those performances for free? A ticket for one person costs as much as the lead actor receives?!? Only a person with very low self-esteem could tolerate such a situation,” said another commentator.
“But why risk so much unless you are completely sure of your victory? Leaving a job before the season ends and then presenting your conditions and demands does not seem very legal. Let’s hope the courts will put all the dots. Other theater actors are also people, they should not be belittled and humiliated,” noted a social media user.
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