Hegyi said it was inevitable that certain elements of the opera?s ongoing modernisation would conflict with the interests of its employees, and their ire is understandable. But he vowed to continue with his efforts to tidy up the opera, even if they mean he is ?swept away by the people?s rage?.
The modernisation programme at the opera will cost 2 billion forints, and the government has already approved 250 million for the initial phase, Hegyi said.
Programme director István Kákay said that 315 performances were originally planned for the upcoming season, but the number was reduced to 265 in light of ticket sales, expected costs and employees? days off. The decision was unpleasant, but necessary to reduce costs. It will do no harm to the opera?s traditions, nor will it diminish opportunities for the opera?s singers, musicians and dancers, he said.
Four productions have been cancelled from the original programme plan ? three operas and a ballet ? which also reduces the number of premieres to five from the originally planned six.
By reducing the number of performances, the opera can earn an additional HUF 1 billion, Hegyi said. Renting out the building will bring in HUF 10 million per day, and touring performances can generate an additional HUF 500 million during the season.
László Megyeri, the director of the Thália Theatre and Hegyi?s advisor for the opera?s modernisation, said the opera is saddled with HUF 750 million in unpaid rent and more than HUF 500 million in unpaid bills.
The opera?s staff, which numbers 1,008, will have to be cut at least 10 percent, Megyeri said. These cuts will result in severance payments of HUF 500-600 million, but this will come from the central budget.
Hegyi did not comment on recent calls by ballet director Gábor Keveházi, musical director Gergely Kesselyák and first conductor János Kovács (who has since left the Opera) calling for his resignation, but distributed to the press his written response to these calls.
Hegyi also noted that a compromise had been reached on the ballet ?Gone With the Wind?: instead of being cut from the season?s programme, Keveházi had agreed to find sponsors to pay for about half of the HUF 25 million cost of the premiere, with the opera covering the rest.
Opera union representatives at the press conference complained that they had not been consulted before the modernisation programme was started. They also said the programme had been based on false assumptions.
Keveházi told the Hungarian Press Agency that he, along with union representatives, had asked Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány to hear their appeals personally.
?We are not against modernisation?, Keveházi said, but added that Hegyi?s arguments were ?full of contradictions?.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
