No Principles at All

Producer Uladzimir Shablinski tells the reasons why the Anna Volskaya tribute concert was restricted in the CH Minsk (Concert Hall).

Uladzimir Shablinski wrote on Facebook:

- On May 1 it was forty days after Anna Volskaya passed away. In late March, a lot of her friends musicians offered to hold a tribute concert. An acoustic one, a family concert. For everyone who loved Anna could come with their children and spend time together.

After long discussions we came to the conclusion that we needed the CH Minsk. We spent a lot of time there in times of the NRM and Krambambula. Unless the HC Minsk finally turned into the Republican Cultural and Educational Center. All funds raised were aimed at Lavon's album or repairing of his isolated farm yard.

Lavon assumed that we would not receive the permission. It seemed to me that we would succeed, because "we are all human beings, all mortal and the memory of the passed away person is sacred."

I was wrong. There are no principles.

Now, before May 9 I recall stories from past world wars, when soldiers buried their enemies with military honours, paying the tribute. They were enemies. They paid tribute.

It is hard to realize that #theYearofCulture in the country, and the ideological positions do not allow the people of Belarus to remember that they are People. Compatriots. We are all mortal beings.

We failed to file documents to receive a tour licence. We got a refusal at the level of renting a hall.

"Is this date available? - Yes... send us your engagement letter...but we must consult our main department whether to lend you the hall...everything may happen...send us the list of musicians and bands...You know, we cannot lend you the hall."

Of course, I asked for a formal reply. I wonder the motivation. I received the letter the other days.

I was not surprised. I'm thinking about warriors, who buried their enemies with military honours...