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Summary of the Text:
Background:
- Matej Drlička was the director of the Slovak National Theater until he was dismissed by Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová in August 2024.
- Šimkovičová claims the dismissal was due to a loss of trust in Drlička’s management practices.
Drlička’s Claims:
- He was never given a reason for his dismissal.
- He believes the real reason is Šimkovičová’s attempt to suppress free speech and stifle artistic expression.
- He points to the dismissals of other cultural figures as evidence of this agenda.
Drlička’s Allegations:
- Šimkovičová’s leadership is characterized by political interference and the purging of dissenting voices.
- She uses intimidation and bureaucratic measures to control the cultural landscape.
Drlička’s Response:
- He believes the changes he implemented at the Slovak National Theater led to increased attendance and artistic quality.
- He rejects the ministry’s claims of financial irregularities.
Conclusion:
Drlička paints a picture of a government that is actively suppressing artistic freedom and attempting to silence critics. He argues that this is a dangerous precedent for Slovak culture.