Austerity measures in Bonn: the theater's acting division under scrutiny
Due to a budget crisis, the city of Bonn is considering further savings that could also affect the theater; General Director Helmich disagrees.
Quick Look
- In view of massive budget deficits, the city of Bonn is examining savings that could jeopardize the performance of the Bonn Theater.
- General Director Bernhard Helmich firmly rejects a closure and refers to existing contracts.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The city of Bonn must consolidate its budget because previous measures are not sufficient. This leads to cuts in the areas of personnel, public transport, daycare funding and culture.
In Bonn, the theater's acting department is under scrutiny due to cost-cutting measures. This emerges from a statement from the city's administrative board after a budget meeting on Friday.
It says that the double-digit million amount achieved so far to consolidate Bonn's budget is far from enough. Therefore, further savings suggestions would be examined, which should also include the drama.
The general director of the Bonn Theater, Bernhard Helmich, publicly and vehemently opposed it in his first reaction. Before the premiere of Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute" he said on Saturday evening, according to a statement: "With me as director, there will be no closure of the theater."
Helmich's contract was extended until 2030 just a few days ago, also on the basis that, in accordance with the future agenda for Bonn theaters, it had been decided to preserve all sections of the theater, as he emphasized. He pointed out that the theater was already trying to save money.
The city of Bonn decided on further measures on Friday to achieve an approved budget. This affects 400 staff positions, which are to be saved by 2031.
There are also cuts in local public transport, in daycare financing and in funding programs in the climate plan. They also want to forego the free flu vaccination for city employees and drop the “Bonn makes you happy” image campaign.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Examination of further savings suggestions for the theater.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will the theater actually close?
- How does the city council react to the director's resistance?
