Totally Stockholm 1
The impact of the coronavirus has been dramatic,
sweeping the rug out from under society and upending us, to land in a shape and tangle we can’t even predict yet. The damage done to people’s lives and the strain on the health system are obviously the most serious issues of the day, but the ramifications of corona extend everywhere. Some of the parts of society most affected are the visitor-based industries, such as restaurants, live entertainment, bars and museums, which have had to cope with closure, restricted opening, the challenges of enforcing social distancing guidelines and dramatically-reduced footfall. We spoke to some of these venues around Stockholm to find out more about how they’re handling the current challenges. Södra Teatern Words: Austin Maloney To follow the coronavirus recommendations, Södra Teatern has shut down the majority of its activities, including closing the main building (although there are plans for the building’s outdoor terrace Champagnebaren to potentially open up soon). At the moment, only the outdoor Mosebacketerrassen remains open. Samuel Laulajainen, CEO Södra Teatern How did you put together and decide what your response would be to corona restrictions and guidelines, once it became clear that being open as usual would be impossible? Were there any alternative options discussed before you chose the path you did? We were one of the first venues to close down when it all started. It felt like the right choice at the time and still does. Lots of options were discussed, as no one knew how it would develop. In practical terms, how have you implanted the guidelines at Södra Teatern? The main house is closed, so I guess these are mostly in play with regards to Mosebacketerrassen? We follow all the rules and regulations set by the authorities and our guests seem accept it. Mosebacketerrassen is a large venue with lots of seating capacity, so that helps. Has it been challenging, to retrain personnel and re-design the layout of the bars to adapt to the new regulations? And now with some parts of the house opening up (Champagnebaren), do you have to put even more work into implementing these guidelines? Yes, we try to adapt the venue all the time. Health and safety first. With live events being such a huge part of Södra Teatern’s purpose, what has your strategy been to manage this period where it’s impossible to have them? Are you generally planning to move them far into the future, or are you investigating methods to have live events that maintain social distancing regulations? We try to do everything we can. Some American tours have been cancelled. We have done a few live-streaming events. However, I do not see it as the way of the future. Live is live and should be experienced that way. It is difficult to finance concerts under a 50-person capacity. Have you found any creative ways to respond to the restrictions that allow you to continue to deliver part of your services to your guests, for example livestreamed shows? We have tried a few live streaming events. Live should be live. Streaming cannot replace it. Finally, this period is a challenge for all public venues in the city. How do you hope Södra Teatern will emerge from this period? We will come out of this stronger and well prepared for the future. 9 Photo: Karin Bernhardsson Photo: David Thunander