Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater has responded to the statement of Honored Artist Mehriban Khanlarova.
It was reported to Medianews.az from the Theater:
The Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater is not just a workplace for many artists, but a native art space where their creative destiny is shaped, memories, achievements, and love for art are experienced. The spiritual attachment of Mehriban Khanlarova, who has worked on this stage for many years, to the theater and her special attitude towards this art institution is understood with respect.
Mehriban Khanlarova initially applied for re-employment. Taking her application into account, in order for her to continue her professional activity, employment opportunities in other state theaters, as well as paid master classes within the framework of the Ministry of Culture’s "Theatrical Academy" project for young actors, were offered.
However, she stated that she only wanted to work at the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater and did not accept the alternative proposals presented to her.
During her last application for reinstatement to the theater, it was explained to her once again that her employment relationship was terminated based on her own written request, and currently, there is no appropriate vacant position in the theater. She did not accept the proposal to continue her activity in other state theaters either.
At the same time, there is no obstacle in the current theater practice that limits actors’ creative activity only to permanent staff units. Any actor can sign a contract with a particular theater for a specific performance or project based on a performance contract and appear on various stages. In other words, there are broad opportunities for involving an actor in creative activities and participation in performances in various theaters according to certain roles and plays.
The Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater has always treated the work and devotion of its artists to this stage with respect and will continue to do so. We believe that the strength of Azerbaijani theater is embodied precisely in the creative freedom of artists, the transmission of experience to younger generations, and the opportunities to keep their art alive on various stages. At the same time, in the future, within the framework of the theater’s creative plans, repertoire policy, and specific performance projects, taking into account arising needs and artistic requirements, the issue of involving Mehriban Khanlarova in individual projects of the Academic National Drama Theater in any form can also be considered.