(Credit: www.muenchen.de)

The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced that it will allow up to 500 spectators into the NationalTheater starting on September 1, 2020.

The new decision comes as a consequence of the latest Decree by the State Ministry for Science and Art. It forms a part of a pilot test program. Accordingly, additional tickets will become available for the audiences to attend the premiere of “Seven Deaths of Maria Callas” on September 1, 2020.

The Bayerische Staatsoper has also revealed detailed protection and safety strategies for the artists and the staff. Two basic rules have been deployed, such as social distancing and mouth and nose coverings at all times in the Staatsoper. Since these measures can not be fully implemented during closer interactions on stage, members of the staff (including the artists) have been divided into four groups. The red group includes the performers, members of the orchestra, and the production team. Members of the red group get tested regularly for COVID-19.

Furthermore, performers are divided into groups of 10 people who are only in contact with one another onstage and have as little contact as possible with other groups of 10 colleagues.

Costume team members belong to the yellow group. The yellow group is in regular contact with the red group, but must either always maintain a social distance or wear a medical mask or FFP2 mask. The members of the yellow group also receive regular COVID-19 testing, albeit at longer intervals.

The green group has to comply with two basic rules regarding social distancing and mouth and nose coverings. Members of the administration belong to the green group.

Finally, the blue group is in the contact with the audience. In the “front building” there is a general obligation to wear a face mask, even at a distance, as well as further protective measures for the audience and employees.

Additionally, all employees must keep a personal health and contact diary on a daily basis. Short questions about possible symptoms are answered every day, and so-called intensive contacts are noted, in order to quickly break every possible chain of infection.