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Dailes Theater Director Addresses Concerns Regarding Martinsone and Dreģe
Dailes Theatre Director Juris Žagars has responded to reports concerning actresses Irdza Martinsone and Olga Dreģe,stating they were not being mistreated or dismissed from the theatre. Žagars refuted claims of unfair treatment, telling TV24 journalist Anita Daukšte, “You are also trying to push that narrative.”
Actresses Expressed Concerns About Limited Roles
according to Žagars,both Martinsone and Dreģe approached him in 2023 expressing thier dissatisfaction with the limited number of roles they were receiving. He recounted their statement: “Jurīt, we are ashamed. We receive a salary, but we don’t work, we play only one or perhaps two performances a month.” Žagars responded by encouraging them to remain with the theatre, stating, “My dear, stay at the theatre! Let’s see what the next season brings.”
Request to Be Released from Contract
The actresses revisited the issue at the start of the 2023-2024 season in October, requesting to be released from their contracts. they reportedly told Žagars they were unable to face their colleagues due to their limited involvement. Žagars noted, “Respectable, honorable, fantastic actresses are ashamed of this.”
Agreement Reached for Non-Staff Status
Following these discussions,an agreement was reached in November 2023 to transition Martinsone and Dreģe to non-staff status. this arrangement allows them to continue performing their existing roles and receive compensation, but removes them from the theatre’s permanent staff. Žagars confirmed he discussed the agreement with Mirdza martinsone after the New Year. He maintains that this arrangement demonstrates the theatre’s continued respect for the actresses and contradicts any claims of mistreatment or dismissal.
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