The theatre's new director must not only meet the professional criteria for the post, he or she must also be prepared to oversee the reorganisation of the theatre, expected to take place in 2008, Hiller said. The theatre's new director will be chosen by the end of November and will take over from Tamás Jordán from July 1, 2008.
In addition to maintaining the highest degree of professional excellence in the theatre's activities, the new director will be expected to raise the profile of the National Theatre internationally, Hiller said. He added that it was important to preserve the traditions of Hungarian theatre and maintain contacts with ethnic Hungarian theatres outside of Hungary's borders.
The new director will work alongside Jordán from the end of November or the beginning of December until his mandate expires on June 30. Hiller said the prospect of the two directors working side by side was exciting.
The mandate of the National Theatre's new director will run until the theatre's reorganisation is completed or July 31, 2013 at the latest, Hiller said. He added that the ministry was not required to make a public call for applications for the post, but it wanted to stick to points agreed on at talks with the theatre's management in the summer.
Hiller said he would have the final decision on picking the new director, but he would still seek the opinion of a panel of experts.
The government has guaranteed the National Theatre an annual budget of HUF 1.7bn in 2008-2010, Hiller said. The task of the theatre's new director will be to put this sum toward operating and payroll costs. The number of performances the theatre is to put on has not been decided.
Hiller said there are no plans to merge the National Theatre with other theatres.
Author: Éva Kelemen
