Chekhov Theatre in Riga covers Russian-language signs

The Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre has begun covering Russian-language inscriptions on the facade of its building and on posters at the entrance. The sign now shows only the Latvian name "Mihaila Čehova teātris," while the Russian version is hidden beneath bright green tape. Posters outside the theatre have been treated in the same way.

The move follows requirements from the Culture Ministry and current regulations on language use in signs of state and municipal institutions. Theatre management has repeatedly noted that the theatre was historically established as a Russian-language stage and continues to produce performances in Russian, but must comply with legal requirements.

The Culture Minister has dismissed reports of plans to close or reorganise the theatre, saying no such intention exists. He also clarified that his order to remove Russian from public communication by the ministry, its subordinate institutions and state-owned companies does not apply to professional artistic work when the original creative material is in Russian. Ministry officials explained that the Daugavpils Theatre and the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre may still stage plays in Russian, since such material is considered an original creative work in Russian.

The order was issued on 25 June and requires the ministry and its subordinate bodies to avoid using Russian when performing their functions, including at international events, in strategies, advertising and websites. The deadline for implementation was 30 July.

The theatre's management had already voiced objections to the order. In an open letter, director Dana Bjorka argued that it contradicts several documents governing the theatre's work, including state-delegated tasks to attract minority audiences, promote social integration and foster intercultural dialogue. The management also said an internal administrative instruction from the minister could not impose restrictions on fundamental rights. Removing Russian from all public communication, it argued, would make it harder to reach parts of the audience, including Russian-speaking tourists and Ukrainian refugees, and would hurt the theatre's finances.

The Culture Ministry, for its part, has said the order is based on the status of Latvian as the state language under the Constitution and on decisions of the Constitutional Court regarding the state's duty to strengthen the use of Latvian in public space and promote a unified information environment in Latvia.