Valentina Sofokleous, the artistic director of Roes Theater, criticized the Thymeli grant plan from the Deputy Ministry of Culture. She said it operates without fair criteria. She pointed out that Roes Theater’s proposals, especially the one with Versus Theater, have been repeatedly ignored.
“This isn’t just a coincidence or because our proposals are weak. The ongoing disregard raises questions about the criteria the Deputy Ministry claims to use,” Ms. Sofokleous said. She hopes that the recent change in leadership at the Deputy Ministry, with G. Papageorgiou taking charge, will lead to improvements.
On May 20, 2026, Roes Theater will showcase the play Foreign Refugee Women, based on Olga Kozakou Tsiara’s book, at the historic Circo Theater in Braga, Portugal. They will also participate in the Analogio Festival in Athens this September, marking another important international event.
At an event at Lebay Hotel, the actress shared her disappointment. She clarified that her frustration is not aimed at the committee but at the Deputy Ministry of Culture. She noted that for three years, grant applications from these theaters have been turned down while other productions that can perform multiple times receive funding.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Minister of Communications and Works, Erato Kozakou Markoulli, also supported Valentina Sofokleous and Roes Theater.
Ms. Markoulli praised Ms. Sofokleous and Roes Theater for their long-standing and internationally recognized work. She highlighted their role in Cyprus’s cultural growth and their focus on important social and humanitarian issues. She also expressed concern over Roes Theater’s ongoing neglect by the Thymeli grant plan from the Deputy Ministry of Culture, emphasizing the need for transparency, fairness, and equal treatment for all cultural groups.
This support is part of a larger movement among political and cultural figures backing Valentina Sofokleous and Roes Theater.
Despite facing challenges, Roes Theater continues its international journey. On February 9, Ms. Sofokleous will receive the Cultural Cooperation Award in Istanbul from Tiyatro Gazetesi magazine, honoring her efforts to promote collaboration among artists from different countries.
