Many, many thanks Odile for taking the trouble to compile this fine overview of the German press reaction to the sad news from Forsythe.
If the reported City proposal that the funding should be cut by 80% are true, then this shows them in an extremely bad light for a variety of reasons. Firstly, all the earlier arguments given at the time of the first crisis apply: world leading company, unique rep, excellent publicity for Frankfurt, leading force in developing talents in dance and the related arts etc etc.
Secondly, the communique from Ballett Frankfurt earlier in the year said
Quote:
In a conversation with Frankfurts lord major Petra Roth, which was held in a constructive atmosphere, Ballett director William Forsythe, treasurer Horst Hemzal and cultural minister Dr. Nordhoff discussed the situation of Frankfurt´s municipal stages.
The general intention of the conversation was to find realistic solutions for Ballett Frankfurt with William Forsythe, also for the time period after 2004. With regard to the financial situation of the city, all possibilities are being considered.
Representatives of the municipal authorities made it clear that a further increase of the budget for the municipal stages must be excluded due to the city's extremely difficult financial situation. Strict discipline must be adhered to and the planned budget restrictions need to be kept. It was furthermore stated that the artistic rank of Ballett Frankfurt and William Forsythe is undisputed.
Albeit that this was issued by the Company it shows every sign of being an agreed text between the parties in the negotitions. If an 80% cut in buget is Nordhoff's idea of a 'realistic solution', then it certainly isn't mine. Similarly there is a vast difference between "..the municipal authorities made it clear that a further increase of the budget for the municipal stages must be excluded..." and an 80% cut.
If this rumour, which has appeared in two reputable newspapers, is true then the City authorities appear to have acted in bad faith at the time of the first crisis discussions and I think Forsythe has been remarkably restrained in his letter, perhaps taking account of the long and successful relationship with the City up until now.
<small>[ 08-30-2002, 04:07: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>