John Freedman
Moscow’s legendary Teatre.doc is facing eviction from the tiny basement space it’s inhabited since it’s founding in 2002. During the past twelve years Teatre.doc has produced over 70 plays earning a reputation for nurturing contemporary Russian playwrights and presenting politically provocative work. Their risky artistic choices may have led to their impending homelessness. On May 5, 2014 Moscow’s Property Department secretly terminated it’s rental agreement with the company without notifying them. The company only learned of the lease termination in October when a reporter uncovered the clandestine decision. The city plans to turn over administration of the basement space to the tenants of the building and the future of one of Moscow’s few independent theaters remains in doubt. Writer/translator John Freedman has posted an open letter in defense of Teatre.doc on his website. It’s not too late to join the list of international advocates by simply adding your name in the comments section of his site. To show your support for Teatre.doc and independent theatre in Russia please add your name to the Open Letter.
