Protests over theaters’ visual campaign

Hundreds gathered in front of Bratislava's P.O. Hviezdoslav Theatre on Wednesday to protest its advertising campaign and visuals for the new season. Organized by Matica Slovenska, a national heritage institution, the protest claims that the campaign defames Hviezdoslav, a renowned Slovak poet. The visuals include young people with various flags, including Ukrainian, anti-fascist, and rainbow flags, holding what Matica perceives as a severed head of Hviezdoslav. They also criticize the absence of the Slovak state flag. The theatre director defends the campaign as a means to initiate critical discussions and denies betraying national interests. The city municipality finds the visuals amusing and provocative, highlighting the theatre's support for young artists and innovative projects.