Solidarity with Ukraine
Theater and music institutions in Norway are showing their joint support for Ukraine on March 2. and 3.
It has been is a week since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine, which has shocked us all – including many Russian artists and cultural workers. (For example, director Elena Kovalskaya at the state-owned Meyerhold Theater in Moscow has resigned in protest.)
Members of the Norwegian Theater and Orchestra Association have released the following joint statement:
As representatives of Norwegian cultural institutions and important democratic common arenas, we react with dismay to Putin’s violation of Ukraine’s rights as an independent country.
Russia’s invasion has put the future of Europe at stake. The devastation in Ukraine is enormous, and innocent fines with their lives. People are fleeing their homes and no one knows if they can return.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and are particularly concerned about our colleagues there and in Russia. The brave voices that have risen against the war now need our unreserved support.
We want to encourage everyone to have extra consideration for Ukrainian and Russian colleagues in our institutions.
This week we show our joint solidarity in a reminder of how important it is to protect democracy. Our support is also extending to our work with European sister organizations.
Cultural institutions mark their support both in writing and by illuminating their facades in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Østfold International Theater’s windows will be lit in blue and yellow from Wednesday morning to Friday morning as part of the event.