Putin disappointed by lack of public interest in theatres

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is concerned that Russians prefer cinemas to theatres. "The number of cultural institutions, the number of theaters from 1993 to 2009, increased by 40%. Generally, this would seem to be a good idea. But only one fifth of Russian towns have a theatre," Putin said today at a meeting with representatives of the theatre and cinema industries.

"47% of Russian citizens go to the theatre very rarely, while almost 30% - 29% have never been to a theatre," Putin said, RIA Novosti reports.