Flood damage to Deutsche Opera Berlin (DOB) has caused losses estimated around €5m.
On December 24, 2017, the DOB’s stage was completely flooded after a fault with its sprinkler system. Water damaged stage machinery, lighting and other equipment, all of which has had to be replaced. Repair work should be completed by the end of May.
As a result of the damage, the company had to cancel two performances of The Nutcracker. It has also had to adapt the staging for its productions since then, including Tosca, Madame Butterfly and Tannhäuser.
“Thanks to the Herculean efforts of all concerned and a concerted campaign to dry out or substitute the sodden equipment, we were able to resume our programme of events on 28 December, presenting modified versions of the original productions,” reads a statement on the DOB website. Customers can apply for a refund online.
DOB’s current building was opened in 1961 after the original was destroyed during WWII. It has a capacity of 1,859 and is also home to Berlin State Ballet.
