Nikol Pashinyan's Backpack: Resignation of Nazeni Gharibyan. Opera Staff

“I love Armenia.” Konstantin Orbelyan was moved by the support of the Opera collective: Employees of the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet gathered today to discuss the situation regarding the dismissal of the theatre's director and artistic director Konstantin Orbelyan, following yesterday's meeting with acting Minister of Culture Nazeni Gharibyan.

In addition to the theatre’s staff, other invited cultural figures were present at the meeting-discussion. This gathering of the theatre's artists was originally planned to be held outdoors, but due to worsening weather conditions, it was moved indoors.

The attendees expressed a wish to hold discussions with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, threatening to strike otherwise.

It is noteworthy that Nazeni Gharibyan, who issued the order to dismiss Orbelyan, was expected to attend this gathering; however, according to some information, she is participating in an international closed conference at the “Dilijan Resort” hotel.

She announced yesterday that she would reveal the name of the new theatre director on Monday, April 1.

The staff is opposed to the order from Nazeni Gharibyan, carrying out the responsibilities of the Minister of Culture, and they question Nikol Pashinyan on how he allows such injustice to take place.

They recalled that he had stated the people should decide, and they questioned why he continues down Serzh Sargsyan's path, urging him to be cautious regarding personnel selection.

Attendees want to meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and they threaten to strike otherwise. Strong statements against Nazeni Gharibyan are being made, and they are demanding Pashinyan’s backpack so that Gharibyan can come in and acknowledge, “You were right; I was wrong.”

They are demanding Gharibyan's resignation.

On Monday at 10 a.m., cultural figures will gather in front of the government to raise their voices against the appointment of the new theatre director. Participants of today’s action at the Opera Theatre stated that they would deliver their letter to the Prime Minister, presenting the existing issues.