Following a controversy over the use of more than 30 live guinea pigs and rabbits in a new production of The Ring Cycle at the Berlin State Opera, the company is speaking out and is making changes to its production.

In a statement, the Berlin company said, “The appearance of the animals in the new productions of ‘DAS RHEINGOLD’ and ‘DIE WALKÜRE,’ takes place after assessment, examination, and approval of experts in form of the responsible veterinary office as well as the agency ekkifant.

“Following the recents reactions the agency sent us this statement: ‘No animals were injured or stressed during the performances and rehearsals for the above productions. During the performances and rehearsals, the animals were cared for in a species-appropriate manner and housed in large spacious cages, two at a time, with drinking, food and plenty of hay, so that the animal could have withdrawn if necessary. During the entire production period, they were under the responsible supervision of the professional trainers in charge. The animals were prepared for the performances by 6 rehearsals, under the supervision of the responsible veterinary office. The animals used were responsibly prepared for the performance and did not show any symptoms of stress at any time. The wattage of the lighting was also adjusted to the needs of the animals. If stress or swearing symptoms had occurred in one or more animals at any point, the assignment would not have been approved or continued from our side.'”

The State Opera also noted that it had “a very constructive and open exchange with PETA, which was met with open ears and led to actions (omitting the guinea pigs and reducing the rabbits). The discussion also led to a sensitization to think about future projects differently from the outset. PETA also published this in a press release. The exchange with PETA and also the reactions have above all shown, how important the fundamental social debate is, in regards to how the legal framework should be adapted – whether in the zoo, in sport, in the keeping of domestic animals or on the stage. Targeting this, which PETA is of course already doing, would be a crucial lever and key.”

The statement comes after the animal rights organization PETA asked to the Berlin State Opera at the end of September to stop using live animals on the stage. Peter Höffken, the specialist officer at PETA said, “Animals are not in this world to be exposed to a frightening and unusual scenario of loud music and bright lights on stage and to be transported back and forth as a supposed audience attraction.”

The Berlin State Opera recently opened the new production of The Ring Cycle, which is set to run through April. The new production was directed by Dmitri Tcherniakov and is being conducted by Thomas Guggeis.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Staatsoper Unter den Linden (@staatsoperberlin)