The festive season at the Opéra National de Paris, usually marked by spectacular productions and full houses, has been overshadowed by an ongoing dancers’ strike that has disrupted performances and dealt a financial blow to the renowned institution.
The strike has forced the cancellation of multiple shows, including the classical ballet Paquita and the contemporary favorite Play, leaving audiences disappointed and revenues plummeting.
The troubles began on December 5, the opening night of Paquita, choreographed by Pierre Lacotte, a revival that had promised to captivate audiences at the Opéra Bastille until January 4. However, the premiere was cut short by a sudden walkout by dancers.
The following day, another strike led to the cancellation of yet another performance. By December 9, the disruptions extended to Play, choreographed by Alexander Ekman, which was scheduled to run at the Palais Garnier from December 7 to January 4.
Spectators of both productions received last-minute text messages informing them of cancellations, a move that has cast uncertainty over the institution’s most commercially profitable season.
The end-of-year period typically draws large crowds and generates significant revenue for the Paris Opera, with sold-out performances being the norm. However, this year, the strike has already resulted in the cancellation of five performances, with financial losses mounting.
Mounting Financial Impact
As of December 9, the Paris Opera reported losses amounting to €150,000 for Play and €260,000 for Paquita, according to internal figures. The impact is expected to grow as the strike continues.
“A large majority of the dancers are on strike,” Matthieu Botto, a dancer and CGT trade union representative, confirmed to Agence France-Presse on December 6. The grievances behind the strike, however, remain unspecified in public statements.
The disruption comes at a critical time for the Paris Opera, which relies heavily on its holiday season performances to offset annual operational costs.
The Opéra Bastille and Palais Garnier are key cultural landmarks in Paris, drawing both local and international audiences. The cancellations have left many ticket-holders frustrated, with social media flooded with complaints and demands for refunds.
A Tradition of Labor Action
Labor disputes are not new to the Paris Opera, which has seen its share of strikes in the past, often linked to broader socio-economic issues affecting the arts sector.
The institution is no stranger to grappling with the challenges of balancing artistic excellence, financial sustainability, and workforce demands.
This year’s strike, however, comes at a particularly sensitive time as the Paris Opera seeks to recover from the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uncertain Resolution
The management of the Paris Opera has yet to announce a resolution to the ongoing strike. With performances already sold out for much of December, the institution faces mounting pressure to address the dancers’ concerns and resume operations.
Meanwhile, audiences are left in limbo, unsure whether they will be able to enjoy the festive offerings that have long been a highlight of Parisian culture.
As the strike continues, the Paris Opera’s holiday season, once anticipated to be a triumph of artistry and celebration, remains in turmoil, reflecting the complexities of navigating labor relations in the world of high culture.
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