Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Presidential Administration, announced on her Telegram channel plans to modernize Tashkent’s theaters and boost state funding.

After inspecting the capital’s cultural facilities, Mirziyoyeva emphasized that “the material and technical base of Tashkent theaters is in dire need of state support.” She noted that the buildings of the Muqimi Academic Theater, the Youth Theater, and the Arena dormitory have long required major repairs.

“Only by creating all conditions can we update the repertoire and stage relevant performances that resonate with audiences,” she said.

In the dormitory, actors live in rooms of 12–16 square meters. One actress, who has dreamed of opening a musical theater for 15 years, showed her project on paper. Mirziyoyeva instructed that the project be studied.

The administration head also visited the Alisher Navoi State Literature Museum, where the digitization of unique manuscripts was discussed.

A released video showed complaints about non-working ventilation and hot water cutoffs. Unfinished renovations and peeling paint were also visible.

Criticizing the lack of oversight, Mirziyoyeva ordered an analysis of who allowed the situation to deteriorate. “Gentlemen, take responsibility,” she said.

At the Puppet Theater, Mirziyoyeva inspected repair progress. “Officials have been appointed to resolve funding issues. The situation is under personal control,” she stated.

Plans to reconstruct the Youth Theater (founded in 1928, one of the region’s oldest) were announced in 2021. In 2022, the theater closed indefinitely for repairs. In March 2024, the troupe temporarily opened its 98th season at the Young Spectator Theater. In late April, the theater toured Russia.

By a presidential decree of November 22, 2024, the Youth Theater was granted the right to independently decide financial, creative, and organizational matters as a legal experiment from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

Source: www.gazeta.uz