Druskininkai Festival Faces Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Musical
DRUSKININKAI – May 14, 2024 – The “Druskomanija” festival in Druskininkai, Lithuania, is embroiled in a public controversy. The central issue is the “Rainbow Musical”, which was meant to be a highlight of the festival. The organizers of the LGBTQ+ event have met resistance in attempts to find a venue for thier musical performance,and now face an uncertain future. The festival will host a solidarity event to support the musical. For more,read on.
Druskininkai Festival Faces Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Musical
The “Druskomanija” festival in Druskininkai, Lithuania, has ignited controversy after organizers publicly voiced support for the “Rainbow Musical” creative team and the broader LGBTQ+ community. This declaration followed difficulties in securing a venue for the musical, which was intended to be a key event at the festival.
Venue Troubles and Public Support
According to a statement released on the festival’s Facebook page,every venue and institution in Druskininkai typically used for cultural events declined to host the “Rainbow Musical.” The organizers emphasized the importance of the musical’s message and its role as an opening event, designed to celebrate freedom and provide a platform for LGBTQ+ creativity.
Druskininkų mieste tolerancijai ir LGBTQ+ bendruomenės palaikymui vietos nėra. Tuo įsitikinome organizuodami vieną esminių festivalio renginių – „Vaivorykštės miuziklą”. Priimti miuziklą atsisakė visos Druskininkų miesto erdvės ir institucijos, su kuriomis komunikavome, ir kuriose įprastai vyksta kultūriniai renginiai.
The festival organizers stated that the venues did not provide clear reasons for their refusal.
Did you know? Druskininkai is a resort town known for its mineral waters and spas, attracting tourists seeking relaxation and wellness treatments.
Solidarity Event Planned
In response to the difficulties, the festival organizers are hosting a solidarity event to support the “Rainbow Musical” team. The event will take place on May 16 at the “Cantina” restaurant in the TechSpa courtyard, serving as an option opening for the festival.
Gegužės 16 d. TechSpa kieme įsikūrusiame restorane „Cantina” kviesime užsukti pabūti kartu, pareflektuoti apie šią situaciją ir atidaryti festivalį.
Mayor’s Response
Druskininkai mayor Ričardas Malinauskas claimed to be unaware of the “Rainbow Musical” opening concert. Speaking to LRT.lt, he stated:
Nelabai suprantu, kurioje vietoje mes esame nedraugiški. Visi dalykai mums yra priimtini ir suprantami, gal pasikeitė planai ar kažkas kitas sutrukdė renginiui įvykti, aš apie tai informacijos neturiu.
Ričardas Malinauskas, Druskininkai Mayor
The mayor suggested that the event might not have been feasible due to limited space in Druskininkai and scheduling constraints.
Nežinau, kad buvo toks pasiūlymas.Mes renginius deriname metus ar dvejus į priekį, nes mieste turime ribotą skaičių erdvių ir vietų. Kai yra viena ar kita renovuojama, renginiams uždarome gatves ar skverus.
Ričardas Malinauskas,Druskininkai Mayor
Pro Tip: When planning events,especially those with perhaps sensitive themes,it’s crucial to establish clear interaction channels with local authorities and venue managers well in advance. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure smoother execution.
