Protests Against Lockdown — Not Just By Unpaid Actors

On 21 October 1918, when the theatres were shut down, they did not do so quietly. The venues protested: the concern was that the artists would no longer be paid for their shows. Representatives of both the employees and employers negotiated solutions.  On behalf of the actors, the Stage Association discussed ongoing payment of employees with theatre representatives. Cinemas, which were a brand new form of entertainment, also felt the pressure. Cinema proprietors appealed to the government to be able to reopen and for subsidies to compensate for lost income. They felt that being obliged to close down was unjust, as other events were still permitted: “Especially the cinemas could contribute to fighting the flu through putting on slide shows to inform people about the measures. The officials seem to have overlooked the fact that people are not forced to come to the cinema, and that the cinema does not pose any danger, because they are aired out and disinfected after each show, with measures in place that provide a safe environment.” 

(Neue Kino-Rundschau, October 26, 1918)

When churches had to close in some regions, the conservative press saw it as an attack on the God-fearing citizens, and suggested the Social Democrats were behind it, because they continued to hold their assemblies.  (Vorarlberger Volksblatt, December 1, 1918)

“After several hours of negotiations, it was agreed that half of the monthly payments under 1000K, and a third of monthly payments over 1000K would be paid out. Full payment will be provided for the first three days, and members of the production are obliged to attend rehearsals for the entire duration of the closure. This agreement is based on the idea that the theatre will only be closed for a short period of time. For this reason, the technicians will be paid in full. The representative of the Stage Association, Dr. Fürst, will meet with the Minister of the Interior and appeal to him to immediately re-open the theatre, due to the hardships the actors and their families would otherwise have to endure.”

Click on this link for the entire issue of the Illustrierte Kronen Zeitung, October 28, 1918