The world is slowly reopening in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many entertainment venues are adapting safety regulations for social distancing. One notable example is the Berliner Ensemble theatre in Berlin, which has removed 500 of its 700 seats to explore how to achieve safe distancing during performances.
The Berliner Ensemble theatre group, located at the historic Theater am Schiffbauerdamm, has undergone significant changes since its founding in 1949 by playwright Bertolt Brecht. The theater has removed every second row of seats and arranged the remaining ones in pairs or separately, making it easier to maintain social distancing protocols. This innovative configuration is aimed at providing a safe environment for the audience when the theatre reopens in September.
Artistic director Oliver Reese expressed his enthusiasm about the changes, stating, “For me, the new seating is an expression of a longing to return to the stage.” He ensures audiences that the ensemble will deliver performances with the same vigor for a smaller audience as for a full house. The ensemble is committed to a measured return, adapting quickly to new experiences and changing conditions that may arise.
In addition to seating modifications, the theatre is implementing various safety measures. These include contactless ticket checking, a mandatory mask policy until patrons reach their seats, and a crowd management system to regulate entry and exit. Furthermore, the renovated seats that were removed will be reinstated once conditions permit. Reese reassured, “Completely overhauled and without the familiar, annoying creak – I promise!”
