DUSHANBE, January 23, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Theaters in Tajikistan are currently experiencing a shortage of talented young actors, according to the Ministry of Culture (MoC).

An official source at a MoC says the ministry is taking measures to attract young bright talented actors into theaters.  “Thus, the ministry has cut an average wage of aged actors by half – from 300 to 150 somoni,” he noted.  According to him, this decision has been made to raise salaries of young actors.

“Graduates from the Institute of Art do not want to work with theaters because of low wages,” said the source, “Therefore, the ministry has made the decision to cut wages of actors over the age of 70 by half, and due to this, an average wage of young actors has been raised to 550 somoni.”

Meanwhile, the aged actors fully receive fees for participation in performances; besides, they also receive their pensions.

In the meantime, actress Nisso Mahmadjonova considers that such wage cuts are insulting for the older generation.