As the Dramaten theater prepares to unveil its autumn program for 2025, the stark contrast to its ambitious post-pandemic launch in 2021 is evident. Back then, the theater announced an impressive lineup of 14 premieres alongside various international collaborations. However, this year's offerings present a more modest selection, with only five new premieres slated, alongside children's programming and guest performances from abroad. The artistic director of Dramaten has previously indicated that the current cultural policies under the Tidö government are influencing the theater's financial constraints. Despite a rise in ticket sales and audience attendance last year, the funding situation has not improved sufficiently to support an expanded array of new works. Consequently, the audience can expect to see more adaptations of classic plays and dramatizations of well-known literature rather than innovative original works. Among the upcoming productions, the classic 'Hamlet' featuring prominent actors is set to premiere at the Elverket venue this fall. However, this theater space, which has been a fixture since its transformation from a former transformer station in 1997, will close its doors following this season's performances. This situation highlights the broader implications of the current state of Swedish cultural policy, which some critics argue represents a failure to utilize the full potential of the national stage. Yet, despite these challenges, Dramaten continues to engage with contemporary global issues, including economic downturns and trade conflicts. While the repertoire features timeless Shakespearean works, the inclusion of a dance performance inspired by Karl Marx's 'Das Kapital' underscores a shift towards integrating critical economic themes into the arts. Other noteworthy productions this season include a dramatization of 'Madame Bovary' directed by a well-regarded theater artist, which promises to bring new life to the classic novel. Additionally, a piece by Spanish artist Angélica Liddell titled 'Dämon. El funeral de Bergman' adds diversity to the offerings. Nevertheless, many in the artistic community feel that a frugal approach to cultural funding that sidelines the potential of the national theater is a significant loss. As Dramaten navigates these financial constraints, the hope remains that it can find innovative ways to continue producing high-quality theater that resonates with contemporary audiences.