Theater occupied - director: action is absolutely peaceful

After the occupation of the Chemnitz Schauspielhaus, the theater's general director has praised the activists' commitment. The "peaceful performance" of the action alliance has given culture in Chemnitz a new, young voice, said Christoph Dittrich when asked by the German Press Agency.

"Experiencing the formation of opinion and will, sometimes enduring it and above all using it for the future, is always of great importance." The Capital of Culture year in particular shows how important and effective the commitment to culture is.

"We very much appreciate the fact that the action is absolutely peaceful, creative and without destruction and that it shows a great commitment to culture," said Dittrich. He was also pleased that the city's law enforcement officers and the police reacted calmly and in the spirit of diversity of opinion.

Dittrich: Culture and social commitment are the cement of society

Activists have been occupying the empty Schauspielhaus since Friday evening in protest against cultural and social cuts. At the same time, they are demanding the preservation of the striking building from 1980, whose planned renovation is currently on hold due to spiralling costs.

"Culture and social commitment are the cement of our society - especially when desirable and feasible things are at odds or simply need more time," said General Director Dittrich.