The private theaters' autumn premieres have in many cases been postponed to the spring of 2021.

Otto Drakenberg, CEO of Moment Group, which brings together private theaters such as China Teatern and Oscarsteatern in Stockholm, but also restaurants and nightclubs, calls for a financial support package for lost income after 31 May: "If we are to save what can be saved, we must get support - now. As a politician, you need to show action, ”he writes in an open letter to the government.

Not even 500 is enough

So far, only 50 people are allowed to visit a theater salon. If the government's promised announcement of audience restrictions would mean an increase to 500 people, it is an important signal that the development is going in the right direction, emphasizes Oscarsteatern's producer Johan von der Lancken. But it's not enough. For his and Vicky von der Lancken's theater, this would mean a maximum of half full salons, which would not cover the production costs for a new set.

- We are very happy for those for whom it works - it is very important, but for us it unfortunately does not work. In most cases, we need to have sold out in principle 100 performances in order for us to go plus or minus zero, says Johan von der Lancken.

Must invest

Oscarsteatern received 4.2 million in state crisis support via the Swedish Arts Council for lost revenue until the end of May. According to Johan von der Lancken, this corresponded to 25 to 30 percent of the total loss for this spring's performances of "As in Heaven" in Stockholm and Gothenburg.

- We are very grateful for that support, but after that we had "Dads on trial" at Krusenstiernska farm in Kalmar and "Rain man" for which we did not receive anything. We have almost got rid of our entire treasure chest, we are in need of a support package.

TT: What else happens?

- It's a threat to existence. Then we are not left, it feels very difficult to say it but in the end it is so. It is not the government's fault that this has happened, but we need help, says Johan von der Lancken.

TT has contacted Minister of Culture Amanda Lind (MP) who greets that she has no comments today.