People's Artist of Russia Nikolai Tsiskaridze stated that state theaters need to revise their pricing policies to become more accessible to the public. His comments were reported by TASS.
The ballet star reminded that cultural institutions funded by the state rely on taxpayers' money. According to Tsiskaridze, during the USSR, the minimum salary was 60 rubles, while the most expensive ticket to the Bolshoi Theatre cost 3 rubles and 20 kopecks.
“You had to hurry, stand in line; everyone could afford them. For any performance, with any People's Artist, you could see any masterpiece. The theaters need to operate differently: people have already paid for the maintenance of these theaters,” Tsiskaridze stated.
He also added that ticket prices for state theaters should be regulated by the government.
Previously, Tsiskaridze had already criticized the Bolshoi Theatre for its pricing strategy. “People are unable to purchase tickets. The main tickets are with resellers on Theatre Square. It’s very sad,” he noted.