On January 12, 2025, the artistic director of the Vaso Abashidze New Theater, Davit Doiashvili, issued a stern ultimatum to the Georgian authorities, demanding the immediate release of actors and other activists who had been detained during the ongoing pro-European protests. The deadline for the ultimatum was set for January 20, with Doiashvili warning that the theater would transition from a “passive protest” to more assertive action if their demands were not met. As of January 23, with the deadline having passed, the political and cultural landscape of Georgia is facing heightened tensions, as theater actors, directors, and artists across the country prepare for an escalation of protests and a more confrontational stance against the government.
Pro-European Protests and the Escalating Political Crisis
Georgia has been witnessing a series of pro-European protests since late 2024, which were sparked by the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone the discussion of opening negotiations for European Union (EU) membership. On November 28, 2024, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, announced that the issue of EU membership would not be raised for at least the next four years, igniting a wave of public outrage. The protests have been driven by a broad coalition of civil society groups, political parties, and ordinary citizens who view European integration as a critical part of Georgia’s future.
At the heart of the protests are two central demands: the immediate release of those detained during the rallies and the call for new, fair elections. For almost two months, demonstrators have gathered in various cities across Georgia to voice their dissatisfaction with the current government and its policies, particularly regarding EU accession. Among those detained during the protests is Andro Chichinadze, an actor at the Vaso Abashidze New Theater, who was arrested under criminal charges, along with 44 other protestors. These individuals face long-term imprisonment, a move that has sparked outrage in the artistic community.
The Vaso Abashidze New Theater’s Ultimatum
The Vaso Abashidze New Theater has become a prominent institution in the ongoing protests. The theater’s leadership, particularly Doiashvili, has not shied away from using its platform to challenge the government’s actions. Doiashvili’s ultimatum to the authorities on January 12 represented a critical turning point in the theater’s involvement in the political protests. His demand for the release of the detained activists, including actor Andro Chichinadze, reflected the broader concerns of the cultural sector in Georgia, which has increasingly aligned itself with the pro-European movement.
The ultimatum also made clear that the theater would not remain a passive observer in Georgia’s political crisis. Doiashvili signaled that if the government did not respond favorably to their demands by January 20, the theater would step up its involvement in the protests. The tension surrounding the ultimatum was palpable, as artists and actors prepared for a more forceful response should the government fail to meet their expectations.
The Detention of Actors and Political Repression
Among the most vocal figures in the protests has been Andro Chichinadze, whose detention has become a symbol of the broader crackdown on dissent by the Georgian authorities. Chichinadze, along with 44 other demonstrators, was arrested under criminal charges after participating in the pro-European rallies. The arrests were widely condemned by human rights groups, who argued that they represented a gross overreach by the state in its efforts to suppress political opposition.
The government’s response to the protests, particularly its heavy-handed tactics in dispersing demonstrations, has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in Georgia and the increasing political repression faced by activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who oppose the government’s policies.
In response to these developments, artists from across Georgia have united in solidarity with the detained protestors, calling for their immediate release and for an end to the government’s repressive tactics. The cultural community’s involvement in the protests has been significant, with theater actors, directors, musicians, and other artists all playing an active role in shaping the political discourse. Their vocal opposition to the government’s actions has added an important layer of visibility to the pro-European protests and has underscored the deepening division between the Georgian government and the population’s pro-European factions.
The Response from the Rustaveli Theater and Other Institutions
The Rustaveli Theater, one of Georgia’s most well-known cultural institutions, has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks. Its head, Robert Sturua, publicly stated that the theater remains apolitical, a position that many critics argue is insufficient in the face of Georgia’s ongoing political crisis. This stance has been heavily criticized by artists and theater professionals who believe that the cultural sector must take a more active role in defending democratic values and supporting the pro-European movement.
In a show of solidarity with the detained protestors, several actors from various theaters, including the Vaso Abashidze New Theater, began a strike on January 21, 2025. This collective action aimed to draw attention to the plight of the arrested activists and to pressure the government into addressing the key demands of the protestors. The striking actors and their supporters gathered outside the Rustaveli Theater, demanding to meet with the theater administration, but were denied entry to the building, further fueling their frustration with the institutional response to the political crisis.
A Call for Political Change
As the protests continue, the cultural sector has articulated several key demands. The most urgent of these is the call for new elections to be held in a fair and transparent manner. The artists argue that the current political system is rigged in favor of the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has undermined the democratic process through election manipulation and political repression. The demand for political neutrality among law enforcement agencies and the election administration has become a central issue in the protests, with citizens insisting on a free and fair electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
In addition to calling for new elections, the artists are demanding the immediate release of the protestors who have been detained by the government. These individuals, many of whom are engaged in peaceful demonstrations, are seen by the cultural community as political prisoners who have been unjustly targeted for their activism. The protestors argue that their arrests are part of a broader effort to stifle dissent and maintain the current political status quo, which many citizens see as increasingly authoritarian.
The Artists Prepare for Escalation
As the ultimatum issued by the Vaso Abashidze New Theater has now expired, the focus shifts to the next phase of the protest. The theater community, including directors and actors, is preparing for an escalation in their resistance to the government. While the precise details of their next steps remain unclear, the message is clear: the artists are not backing down.
The continuation of protests on January 23 will likely involve more targeted actions, as the cultural community intensifies its demands for the release of political prisoners and the calling of new elections. The artistic community has shown that it will not simply retreat into the background of Georgian political life, but will instead remain at the forefront of efforts to hold the government accountable.
The expiration of the ultimatum from the Vaso Abashidze New Theater marks a significant moment in Georgia’s ongoing political crisis. The involvement of the cultural sector in the protests highlights the growing discontent with the Georgian Dream government and the demand for democratic reforms. The artists, who have become key figures in the struggle for a pro-European future, are preparing for a more confrontational approach as they continue to push for the release of detainees and the holding of new elections.
By Kesaria Katcharava