Certain things in life have a cyclic recurrence. As we enjoy the slow yet steady return of spring as a revival of nature, it seems that even the Slovak National Theatre has awaken from hibernation. Despite years of a mismanagement-circus, costing valuable millions while at the same time the directors where coming and going like migrating birds, resulting in further soap opera-like (how striking) floating without any direction. A tragic fate for a institution, which wants to be a figure head of Slovak culture.
The Minister of Culture Marek Maďarič has showed that other matters were clearly of higher priority, as was the dubious Language Act, which was given far too much energy for a law that remains questionable [sic.]. Given the minister's background, I would have expected a bit more concern in the matter. But be it so, the gods of Slovak culture seem not to be too favourable. However, a monstrous institution without any managerial vision is a deadly combination.
Since the little coup d'état last summer, where after three directors within a few months' time, the last Opera director together with the chef-conductor as well as Drama boss demonstratively resigned and finally the General Director Ms Hroncová arrived at the only possible conclusion to finally hand in her resignation, it was somewhat quiet at the frontline.
The long awaited outcome of the hiring process in December last year, brought nothing more than surprise. None of the candidates have made it, while the current ad interim director at the last minute withdrew from the selection procedure. The reason given was agonisingly quite unconvincing.
Even the more as yesterday's news announced, that seven candidates applied for the job of General Manager. Immediately after the December's failure, it had transpired that Mr Maďarič had approached singer - and current boss of the Košice Opera - Peter Dvorský for the job. Was it pre-meditated? As these signals hurled some unpleasant discussions behind the scenes, perhaps the minister wisely changed his mind after all; hibernation period started.
The fact, that suddenly a renewed attempt is detected - at least something is happening again - made me wonder, whether I was not accidentally reading about months-old news. As among the candidates was again Pavol Smolík, who - to remind you - withdrew his candidacy at the last minute. Indeed, it was the latest news, yet it looked as if the carousel was turning again round and round, never to advance into any direction. When thinking of the wasted millions while good quality musicians hardly stand a chance to find support for their performances, it is making me far from optimistic.
One would honestly slowly start thinking, that this monstrum - the building of it took over 18 years, yet it looks inside and outside like a concept-less bunker, where even the auditorium, specifically erected for opera, has an acoustic value of a third rate sports hall - has not only a poor design but even an eerie spell. No manager appears to be able to cast that spell away. A sad prospect.
MS
