Tuesday 9, April
Water damage at Berliner Ensemble to cost at least one million euros
After an emergency sprinkler system was set off accidentally on Friday evening, the main stage of the Berliner Ensemble was flooded with some 15,000 litres of water, according to reports from rbb.
The sprinkler system was triggered during the intermission of the play Ivanov, when no audience members were inside. The theatre is expecting repairs to cost at least one million euros, with further significant financial losses ahead due to cancelled performances. According to an announcement made by the Berliner Ensemble, a more precise estimate of the damage will only be possible after further analyses. Many devices, including lighting and sound equipment, are damaged beyond repair.
The current schedule of performances will of course need to be adjusted, and anyone who already has tickets for an upcoming show will be contacted by post. At the moment, it’s not likely that the premiere of Sibylle Berg‘s RCE will take place on April 25th as planned.
“The shock is still felt deeply throughout the entire company. I am very glad that nothing happened to anyone,” said Berliner Ensemble managing director Oliver Resse.
