Even as the show does not go on, Boston Lyric Opera stands by its stagehands
Local stagehands union applauds Opera for compassionate COVID-19 response
BOSTON, MA – Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) is being praised by the cast and crew of Vincenzo Bellini’s NORMA, originally slated to perform at Emerson’s Majestic Theater in March, for prioritizing the wellbeing and financial security of workers amidst the complete cancellation of the production’s live showings.
Boston’s stagehand union, the International Alliance Of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 11, is applauding BLO for being an exemplary employer to its members, who include production crew-members, stagehands and wardrobe staff. The union is showing its appreciation by helping to promote the audio recording of the show’s final dress rehearsal.
In contrast to countless companies nationwide shortchanging their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, BLO decided to honor the full compensation of NORMA’s entire cast and crew. BLO made the decision to support their employees despite suffering a fiscal loss equal to 100% of cancelled box office sales.
“Everyone was worried about the show closing and being left without a paycheck,” said Michael Gottke, production lighting technician. “I have so much love and respect for Boston Lyric Opera, for taking care of us and for seeing us as central to their COVID-19 number crunching. In this industry, that’s not always the case. Usually when stagehands don’t work, we don’t get paid.
On the eve of opening night, BLO was forced to announce that NORMA, originally scheduled to run for five performances, would never open to the public. The completed set that was built for the production still remains on stage at Emerson’s Majestic Theater, since social distancing measures prevent the crew from striking the set and loading it out.
“Although it’s truly a disappointment that this beautiful performance will never be witnessed by a live audience, I can look back on the experience fondly because Boston Lyric Opera had our backs through this crazy time,” said Brian Willis, production carpenter. “If it wasn’t for their generosity, I would have been left scrambling.”
Boston Lyric Opera’s General and Artistic Director, Esther Nelson, said that leaving the cast and crew out of the company’s financial equation was out of the question.
“It took an enormous group of talented designers, artists, craftspersons and in-theater workers to put together the extraordinary environment of our production of NORMA,” said Esther Nelson, BLO’s general and artistic director. “Even though the performance ultimately was not seen or heard – at least not in the way we originally intended – the work to get us to opening night was done with the usual artistry and precision expected of a BLO performance. It was important that members of our theatrical unions were included with the artists, designers, staff and craftspeople who received enough emergency financial assistance to make up for the income they lost. We look forward to future collaborations to bring opera back to the stage for our enthusiastic audiences.”
“The world needs more companies like Boston Lyric Opera,” said Colleen Glynn, IATSE Local 11 business manager. “I can’t overstate what a joy it is to know that BLO employees are in such good hands. Local 11’s mission is to fight for the rights of theatrical stage employees and other industry workers who are far too accustomed to having their wages questioned and jeopardized. It’s truly an inspiring story.”
Even though NORMA could not be performed alongside its visual elements, the audio stream of the opera will be available through May 15 on both 99.5 WCRB Classical Radio’s and BLO’s websites. BLO.org will host related materials to enhance the listening experience, including behind-the-scenes videos of NORMA rehearsals, photos from the final dress rehearsal, the official NORMA program, and education materials aimed at helping new listeners learn about the opera.
The audio recording was captured in collaboration with 99.5 WCRB, a WGBH affiliate, and Grammy Award-winning Lead Sound Engineer, Antonio Oliart Ros, at the final dress rehearsal on March 11. The rehearsal was performed by the high-profile cast as a final performance, exactly as it would be on stage, as the likelihood of show cancellation grew each day throughout the rehearsal process. This cast will likely never be assembled again.
About Boston Lyric Opera:
Since its founding in 1976, the Boston Lyric Opera has staged world premieres, U.S. premieres, co-productions and co-commissions of note with organizations such as The Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Scottish Opera and San Francisco Opera and continues to be a destination for some of the leading artists, conductors, directors and designers from around the world. Their mission is to build curiosity, enthusiasm, and support for opera by creating musically and theatrically compelling productions, events, and educational resources for the Boston community and beyond.
About IATSE Local 11:
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada is the largest labor union in the entertainment industry and has been for more than a century. IATSE Local 11 includes three districts with their jurisdiction covering Boston, Lynn, Salem, Waltham, Brockton, Plymouth, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The union works diligently to improve the wages, job security, and work conditions of its members, as well as advancing the economic, social, and cultural interests of both their members and their community.