The Panevėžys Juozo Miltinis Drama Theatre is facing a leadership crisis following the cancellation of the popular play “Macbeth” and subsequent allegations of workplace mobbing. According to reports from lrt.lt and Delfi, actor Tadas Gryn claims he was pushed out by management, while former actor Mindaugas Ancevičius describes the leadership of Antanas Venckaus as “dictatorial.”
The “Macbeth” Cancellation and Financial Disputes
The conflict became public after the theatre cancelled all twelve scheduled performances of “Macbeth,” a production featuring Tadas Gryn in the lead role. Gryn told lrt.lt that he was “shocked” by the decision, noting that all tickets had been sold. He alleged that the theatre management made no effort to find a solution and instead issued “ultimatums.”
Theatre representatives provided a different account, stating that the financial conditions demanded by the actor exceeded the institution’s budget. Gryn, however, suggests the move was a “desire to show power” rather than a financial necessity.
Did you know? The fallout extends beyond one play. Aleksandras Špilevojus warned that because Tadas Gryn appears in multiple productions—including “Sala, kurios nėra,” “Šv. Speigas,” “Jona,” and “Arrivederci”—the theatre risks losing a significant portion of its active repertoire.
Allegations of Mobbing and “Dictatorial” Management
The cancellation triggered a wave of internal grievances. Mindaugas Ancevičius, a former actor at the theatre, publicly accused Antanas Venckaus of overseeing a toxic environment. Ancevičius claimed that tension had been brewing for several years and described the current state of the theatre as “crumbling from the foundations.”
Ancevičius stated he previously attempted to resolve his issues through legal channels after his contract was terminated, rather than through the press. He now asserts that the “genie is out of the bottle” regarding the management style used by Venckaus.
Internal Defense of Antanas Venckaus
Not all staff members agree with the accusations of mobbing. Actor Ieva Labanauskaitė defended the director, stating she has experienced only “respect, professional and human relations” from Antanas Venckaus during her five years at the theatre.
Labanauskaitė countered the claims of unprofessionalism by suggesting that some critics are the ones lacking ethics. She cited examples of actors arriving late to performances without notice or making colleagues wait during rehearsals because the director is “convenient and lenient.” She urged the public not to rush to conclusions or “condemn the theatre” based on social media narratives.
Competing Perspectives on Theatre Leadership
| Source | View of Management | Primary Complaint/Defense |
|---|---|---|
| Mindaugas Ancevičius | Dictatorial | Long-term mobbing and institutional decay. |
| Tadas Gryn | Power-driven | Arbitrary cancellation of sold-out shows. |
| Ieva Labanauskaitė | Professional/Human | Lack of discipline among complaining actors. |
Future Risks for the Panevėžys Arts Scene
The dispute threatens the theatre’s relationship with its audience. Aleksandras Špilevojus noted that management expressed a desire to replace Gryn with another actor in all his roles. Špilevojus warned that if replacements are not found or accepted, those plays will simply disappear from the schedule.
Given that tickets for Špilevojus’s productions often sell out months in advance, the removal of these shows could lead to a significant drop in attendance and revenue for the city’s primary dramatic venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the play “Macbeth” cancelled?
According to theatre management, the financial demands of lead actor Tadas Gryn exceeded their budget. Gryn claims the cancellation was an exercise of power.
What is the “mobbing” accusation?
Former actor Mindaugas Ancevičius and others have alleged a pattern of psychological harassment and dictatorial leadership under Antanas Venckaus.
Does everyone at the theatre agree with the accusations?
No. Actor Ieva Labanauskaitė has publicly defended the director, citing a professional and respectful work environment.