State Academic Bolshoi Theater of Uzbekistan. Photo: centralasia-adventures.com
Uzbekistan will create special artistic expert groups to oversee the creative activities of state theaters and theatrical studios. The government decree establishing these groups came into effect on July 1, according to Norma.uz.
The document states that the expert group is an advisory body responsible for developing proposals, recommendations, and assessments regarding the artistic quality, stage interpretation of works, as well as preventing the display and promotion of certain negative phenomena in performances.
Among these negative phenomena are:
Pornography
Violence
Oppression
Cruelty
Gender discrimination
Additionally, the expert groups will participate in discussions of productions and the organization of theatrical and entertainment events.
The body will consist of up to nine members, besides the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary.
Members are typically selected from among well-known artists, cultural workers, scholars, and theater professionals such as art critics, composers, conductors, directors, artists, designers, opera singers, and others. Expert groups are appointed by order of the Uzbek Minister of Culture.
The government decree notes that for productions of historical works, the group may also include qualified specialists knowledgeable in the subject matter and genre of the performance.
Members of the expert groups do not receive a salary upon appointment. However, based on their work outcomes, the state may grant members a quarterly monetary award of up to five times the minimum wage.
Starting August 1, the minimum wage in the country will increase. Accordingly, potential payments to theatrical experts could amount to 6.35 million soms (just over $500).
