Getting art through the crisis - but at what risk? There are violent allegations against the Bavarian State Opera.
Munich - Of course art has to go on, right now. And the Bavarian State Opera is doing a lot to give the food. At least in small cans, as canned internet video or as a live stream with the “Monday concerts”. But it seems as if the house with the security measures that apply because of the corona pandemic is not 100 percent accurate. In any case, this is suggested by statements by employees who expressly do not want to blacken their employer - but are simply afraid of infection.
The allegations concern two locations, the National Theater and the ballet rehearsal center at Platzl. The number of participants for the training of the State Ballet was limited to 15. But it is said that this is not being observed. The State Opera declares the training “voluntary”. During these hours, the house said on request, "there is a minimum distance of two to three meters between the dancers, training is done in small groups, there is no physical contact". The ballet master and a member of the ballet director on duty would take care of this.
"Voluntary training" for the dancers
All just an ideal idea, criticize those involved. Of course there is physical closeness. In addition, one comes across the term “voluntariness”. It is said that those who do not show up regularly during training have bad cards with the decision-makers of the state ballet. In addition, employees point out: If crowds of people, including training, have to be prevented, it doesn't matter whether it is prescribed or "voluntary". "We all love our work," says one of those affected. “And dancers have to train. But that's not the point, but primarily security. ”
Bavaria's Ministry of Art does not yet consider it necessary to stop training. "A fitness and training company is still allowed, taking into account strict hygiene measures and with the close involvement of the company doctor," the ministry said on request. “The dancers of the State Ballet have the opportunity to participate in daily training on a voluntary basis and to use the fitness equipment that is disinfected after each use. Of course, all the necessary precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the ensemble members. "
As is said, there is a dissent within the Ministry of Art about the training. While Minister Bernd Sibler (CSU) tends to vote for a ban, there are others who want to allow such activities. Ballet director Igor Zelensky, by the way, doesn't seem to like the situation, he doesn't show up at Platzl. According to opera spokesman Christoph Koch, Zelensky is "in daily contact with the dancers and also with the other employees of the house via telephone, WhatsApp and mail". Obviously for security reasons. Recently, it can be heard, he thanked for the "courage" of his dancers.
State Opera rejects allegations
Another stumbling block are the live “Monday concerts” without an audience. Up to 30 people are reported to have been involved in the National Theater, and dancers have also been involved since the second episode. Here, too, there is physical closeness, members of the security staff recently sat "knee to knee". There is also no question of voluntariness. The employees are forbidden to refrain from participating due to health concerns.
The State Opera has rejected this. One acts according to all specifications of the art ministry, all security measures are taken. Although the theater was closed, it was "expressly no work ban" for all state theaters, said spokesman Koch. "However, it was communicated to the workforce several times that you can contact the respective manager directly if you have any concerns and then try to find a solution for each individual case."
Meanwhile, resentment is growing in the State Opera. You can hear it from the orchestra, but also from the choir. There is a lack of understanding in the tone in which the house reacts to the criticism. A armored letter from the artistic company office became known a few days ago (we reported). In addition, director Nikolaus Bachler commented on the allegations with a term from the Nazi era in the “Abendzeitung”: “All self-appointed block attendants can now devote themselves to other topics. Or, even better: just be silent. "
Bachler's "Out of Place Blockwart Comparisons"
Among others, Robert Brannekämper, CSU member of the state parliament and chairman of the committee for science and art, protests against this choice of words. "A leading employee of the Bavarian State Opera like Mr. Bachler should not stand out in these difficult times by completely misplaced block warden comparisons, but rather through empathy and care towards his employees." Brannekämper expects the Ministry of Art "to end this irresponsible rehearsal operation immediately". If rehearsals actually took place, that would be a scandal. “I think the live streams are extremely problematic. Other houses use their canned video, so the Bavarian State Opera should do as well. ”
There is also outrage at Bachler's “Blockwart” statement in Munich's second opera house, which has ceased rehearsal. Albert Ginthör, deputy chairman of the staff council at the Gärtnerplatztheater and member of the orchestra board, says: "For the director of one of the most important opera houses, this is not only unworthy, but also unacceptable and inexcusable."