Because of the crisis, the county of Kosice, has cut much of the theatre's support, and it is struggling to stay afloat with its own resources, said director Károly Korognai.
The theatre is running a deficit of about EUR 100,000, which, Korognai points out, is not an outrageously large sum. If the theatre, which has a long history, is forced to close, it will have an unavoidable political overtone, he added.
"If the Thália Theatre disappears from the theatre palette, it would be a huge problem. At least 600,000 Hungarians living in Slovakia need this theatre," Korognai said.
The theatre has 16 actors in its troupe and about 50 people on staff.
Hungarian public television broadcaster Duna Televízió is organising charity days for the Thália Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Duna TV will show three of the theatre's most successful pieces on the days.
The theatre has applied for grants to support any kind of production, but "the first step will be enough if the theatre is saved," Korognai said. "We'll see about the rest later."
In spite of their financial difficulties, the Thália Theatre of Kosice continues to work untiringly, putting on productions that regularly fill the house.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
