Theatre of Comedy set up

TIRANA, Feb. 9 – Government approved on Wednesday the establishment of a Theatre of Comedy as a necessity to further support comedy and satire in Albania.
Speaking at the government meeting Prime Minister Sali Berisha said the Theatre will become a promoter of the development of this genre in Albania. He also asked Culture Minister Ferdinand Xhaferaj to submit the decision on the establishment of the National Circus.
Both the Theatre of Comedy and the National Circus are part of a new law on art and culture approved in 2010 foreseeing the establishment of a National Centre for Arts and Culture and the opening of the Theatre of Comedy and a Circus scheduled to start operating this year.
The need to change the performing arts law into the arts law came after shortcomings in the implementation of the current law and the degradation of some institutions since the early 90s which operated based on law dating back to 1993. “The new national arts centre will make possible what we have often mentioned, that the Culture Ministry should not be a foundation distributing funds, but an institution dealing with policies and monitoring the activity of its institutions,” said minister Xhaferaj earlier.
The new law will also offer financial support to district theatres operating for more than 50 years which are expected to receive 30 percent of the municipalities’ cultural grants.
Private theatrical and philharmonic companies which regularly organize events will also be supported with state funds.
A board composed of high and middle level officials will be established to draft policies and implement commemorating events, traditional festivals and competitions.