The Union of Artists of the National Theatre in Kosovo has been on a general strike since 15 November.
As of 15th November, the National Theatre of Kosovo has been on general strike. A banner with a quote from US President Thomas Jefferson – “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty” – has been placed on the stage of the amphitheatre of the National Theatre of Kosovo. This venue has served as a temporary space for performances since 2022, when the National Theatre building in Prishtina closed for reconstruction.
The artists’ strike is not unexpected. It has been brewing since September this year, when the actors’ union began protesting for better salaries.
The National Theatre of Kosovo’s union has demanded salary increases based on professional qualifications, responsibilities, the high workload (often extending up to 16 hours a day), and off-hours activities during weekends and holidays. Other reasons include a packed schedule of activities, numerous rehearsals, and a threefold increase in audience numbers. Currently, “Lead Actors” have a pay coefficient of 8, but they are demanding it be raised to 11. For second-tier actors, the proposed coefficient is 9, and for third-tier actors, 8.5. The salary coefficient in Kosovo is currently valued at €110.
Last month, while participating in the Skopje Theatre Festival, National Theatre actors escalated their protest by delaying the start of the play 1984 by one hour. The festival itself supported the protest, postponing all performances by one hour.
Initially, the Ministry responded to the union’s demands by stating that they would review the requests. Later, they informed the public and the actors that the Ministry of Culture is doing enough for arts and culture in Kosovo. Most recently, they announced the cancellation of the 3rd edition of the Moisiu Festival, the annual festival of Albanian-language theatre, which was set to take place in Pristina this year. A statement was released about the cancellation of the festival on 18th November, days before it was due to start.
The National Theatre of Kosovo’s union responded with an open letter expressing their disappointment. From the start of the strike, the actors emphasized their willingness to ensure the festival was not cancelled. They reminded the Ministry that the festival was founded by and for the artists However, as of now, no common ground has been found between the actors and the Ministry.
Flamur Dardeshi is a freelance writer based in Tirana. He has contributed in the areas of translation, analysis, and poetry. His main fields of interest are literature, cinematography, and theatre.
