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Swelling COVID-19 Protest Movement Takes Over French Theaters

Lisa Bryant

   PARIS - After aviation, Europe's cultural and creative sector has
   beenhithardest by the coronavirus crisis,losingnearly $240
   billion,according to a recent study by an accounting firm. Now as
   France weathers its third lockdown in a year, thecreative artsindustry
   is pushing back, with a growing protest movement now occupying dozens
   of theaters nationwide.

   It's been months since the Odeon theaterwas last open. But these days,
   Parisians can listen to a bit of live jazz at this Paris Left Bank
   landmark. Some were dancing on a recent afternoon, despite a chilly
   rain.
   A jazz band previews Odeon theatre's afternoon assembly by occupation
   protesters. (VOA/Lisa Bryant)

   This was just a preview to the main act. The Odeon has been holding
   daily public assemblies-- ever since a group of protesters took over
   the theater earlier this month.

   They listed the latest tally of other occupied theaters across
   France--now about 70 and growing. The occupation movement began with
   demands the government reopen cultural venues--shuttered for months
   under coronavirus restrictions.

   They also want benefits extended forout-of-work artists
   andtherepealofan unpopular unemployment reform.

   Opera singer Aurelie Magnier, who attended the assembly,says shehas
   been out of work for months. Luckily, she says, her partner has a
   steady job.Otherwiseshe wouldn't be able to make ends meet.

   Also here is Monique Pedron, a member of the yellow vest protest
   movement that sparked a political crisis in France a couple years back.
   Its presence at the Odeon shows how this latest protest movement is
   spreading to include students and others hard hit by the pandemic's
   fallout.

   Pedronsays shemisses culture, and she's had it withCOVID-19
   restrictions. It's more dangerous to take the metro, she says, than to
   attend a play. She hopes other French will join the occupation
   movement.

   Europe-wide,revenues from the cultural and creative industries dropped
   nearly a third last yearfrom2019, accounting firm EY reported recently.
   Banners at the Odeonproclaim"CultureSacrificed" and "Power to the
   People."
   Protesters gather at the Odean theater, which started the nationwide
   theater protest movement. (VOA/Lisa Byrant)

   That was also the message at France's Cesar film awards ceremony, where
   actress Corinne Masiero stripped naked to demand more government
   support. She'd written "no culture, no future" on her torso.

   Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot visited the Odeon. She says she
   understands the artists'concerns butcalls the occupationsof the
   theatersuseless and dangerous. It's not clear, however, whether anyone
   here or elsewhere is listening.

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