The article addresses the concerns raised by Morten Gjelten, director of the Norwegian Theatre and Orchestra Association (NTO), regarding the potential ownership of a theater by the Oslo municipality. Gjelten paints a picture of a financially mismanaged municipal theater that has not adhered to budgetary constraints, leading to a widening gap between expenses and funding. This raises questions about the responsibility of such institutions that rely on public funding.

The piece critiques Gjelten's conclusion that the financial practices observed so far do not equate to irresponsible use of public money. The author suggests that this perspective is concerning, as it undermines the principles of fiscal responsibility and accountability that should govern publicly owned theaters. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about how cultural institutions should operate within municipal guidelines, especially considering the varying political priorities that may affect funding and oversight.

Furthermore, the article argues that if the Oslo municipality is to proceed with owning a theater, it is imperative that there be clear conditions set by the municipality to ensure responsible governance and sustainable financial practices. This includes adherence to annual budgets and compliance with the expectations of different political administrations, ensuring that public funds are managed transparently and effectively for the benefit of the community at large.