Chemnitz in the cultural struggle: Schauspielhaus is supposed to bloom again!

Chemnitz in the cultural struggle: Schauspielhaus is supposed to bloom again!

Chemnitz, Deutschland - in Chemnitz, the discussion about the Schauspielhaus is more intense than ever. The general director of the Chemnitz theater, Christoph Dittrich, approaches the matter with a portion of optimism. In the city's current proposals, he sees a real opportunity for new projects to bring a breath of fresh air into the cultural landscape. The concept, among other things, provides for the creation of a figure theater, a studio stage and rooms for participatory projects. But the condition of the existing playhouse in the Park The victims of fascism is currently of little hope for a quick solution.

The Schauspielhaus has suffered greatly from serious deficits such as fire protection deficits, poor structural substance and outdated technical systems. While a renovation is theoretically possible, the estimated costs of 34 million euros are deterred. These would have to be applied in an elaborate process that the dismantling up to the raw construction, replacement new buildings and profound interventions in load -bearing components would require. After the summer break, the Chemnitz city council will have to deal with the proposal and decide on possible financing and funding options, because the debate about the preservation of the Schauspielhaus has been going on for years.

a dilapidated theater and protests

In the meantime, theater operation rests, which requires the use of the transition rooms in spinning. This solution is not only impractical because it is far from the city center, but also causes high rental costs that additionally burden the budget. In view of this precarious situation, the "C The Closed" protest alliance has formed. Activists occupied the empty playhouse in May and loudly demanded more financial means for culture. The campaign received broad approval: around 150 to 200 people were involved and held the building over the weekend.

The activists gathered under the motto "C the Closed" as an allusion to the "C The Unseen" cultural capital. Chemnitz is the cultural capital of Europe this year, but the hope of a revitalized cultural scene is severely subdued by the continuing savings measures of the federal government, the state and municipalities. The 16 million euros originally planned for the modernization of the Schauspielhaus were initially put on hold for cost explosions. A big litter seems to stay in the distance and the city is now examining alternatives.

emotional support from the population

The situation mobilized the people in Chemnitz; Even the local band Kraftklub performed in front of the Schauspielhaus and criticized the city's austerity policy. Even the actors of the Chemnitz theater did not allow themselves to be ripped off and held up posters with the inscription "Our city needs their playhouse" during a performance. Her message is clear: The Schauspielhaus has offered many well -known artists such as Ulrich Mühe, Corinna Harfouch and Michael Gwisdek a stage, and it is time to give it a future.