Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan visited the community-owned theatres, familiarized himself with the rooted problems and the process of renovation and re-equipment going on there.

The hall of the Dramatic Theatre after Hrachya Ghaplanyan which is provided for 300 spectators, will become more comfortable due to the renovation done, the installed new ventilation system, new armchairs and the new audio and light system. In the theatres of Armenia such innovative equipment has been installed for the first time.
The drama theatre was last renovated about 20 years ago. The renovation of other municipal theatres is not much newer.
“In spite of the fact that the city has loads of problems which require urgent solution we have no right to ignore art. In our city life stops without art. The city authorities must ensure comfortable conditions both for the personnel and the audience in theatres. Thus, together with Mr. Virabyan we worked out the program of renovation of cultural centres. We started with the Dramatic Theatre. The amount of 157 million dram was allotted. As a result of the competition we were able to save 25 million dram. Currently, the work has nearly been completed. The theatre looks more comfortable, and which is more important, it got a new technical maintenance”, stressed the Mayor.
During the visit to the Young Spectator’s Theatre and the Artistic Theatre “Mher Mkrtchyan” the Mayor was introduced the problems rooted in the theatres: the premises need renovation, a new ventilation system, new equipment and furniture are required and technical modernization is urgent as well. The Municipality planned to renovate theatres in the years to come, however, on the initiative of Hayk Marutyan, the activities will start this year. With this aim the decision was made to direct 80% of the budget anticipated for “Erebuni-Yerevan” celebration, to the renovation of the theatres.
“Our theatres are in such poor condition that renovation is badly needed. This year there are well-known reasons for celebrating “Erebuni-Yerevan” modestly, and taking into account that the city day is a cultural event, we will invest the saved money (about 150 million dram) into renovation of two municipal theatres: “Mher Mkrtchyan” Artistic Theatre and “Young Spectator’s Theatre”, stressed the Mayor.
Later, the design and estimate documentation will be prepared renovation of municipal theatres.