Since 2006, Norbert Kraft has been managing director of the traditional Theater im Schlachthof, one of the few Munich theaters that are currently still being played on. In the interview he talks about the devastating pandemic, free partition walls, the hope for a better health minister and about working as a family business.
SZ: Mr. Kraft, if you look at the game plan, in the coming days it will usually be “canceled” or “postponed”. A few appointments are still taking place. As one of the few Munich theaters, they keep the theater going despite the restriction to a maximum of 25 percent occupancy. Why?
Norbert Kraft: Above all, we play to continue supporting the artists. The motto is: play everything that is currently allowed.
In front of a maximum of how many spectators?
80. Of course, this is by no means even remotely comprehensive. But we’ll do it. Because not only the artists, but also the guests ask. People just want to be entertained again.
How many more dates can you offer them this month?
Five are currently planned. Last week the Han’s Klaffl was there, but now we are already noticing that the advance ticket sales are completely stagnating. Nothing comes across anymore. It is also difficult at events for which we have already sold more than the now only 80 tickets allowed. The problem is: who do we want to let in and who don’t? That will not do. We can’t all reach people. These appointments can only be canceled.
Means you have finally sold 200 or 300 tickets again – and now you have to pay them back, as only 80 guests are allowed in.
I agree. And we urgently need the income. But we have no choice but to postpone or cancel.
The stages and artists were so keen on a new beginning in the fall.
Of course, we were also happy that things started again. Ticket sales also went up, and there was demand from guests. You saw that we obey all the rules and that we are strict at the door. But then the next wave comes.
Were you able to react to the new requirements with regard to the infrastructure in the hall?
I bought four fans that circulate the air in the room and rid it of bacteria, plus 50 Plexiglas separating discs so that every household can sit separately. At some point it was said: is no use, because there is still not enough distance. They’re standing around somewhere now. We could have put the 10,000 euros on the street – that would have been better.
The money that is not there anyway is also spent for free. How well are the government’s corona aid programs working?
The help comes again and again, then something is called back again, the rules change very quickly, so that one is actually constantly readjusting. It’s all very difficult. My partner Markus Kraft makes sure that we don’t make any mistakes.
Her son?
And at the same time my partner, who has now also taken over the management. Daughter Michaela meanwhile does everything that has to do with money, office and bills. And my wife helps organize the catering. Years ago we decided to concentrate on the events, to offer the artists three stages with 20, 90 and 350 spectators respectively. In this respect, we are no longer a classic pub. But if the culture isn’t there, the inn isn’t there either.
After all, the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation still picks up the recordings of the classic TV cabaret “Schlachthof”, doesn’t it?
Thank goodness, about ten times a year. That’s always been a highlight for us when there’s nothing else to do.
How many employees do you have? And how many did you have to send on short-time work?
There are 11 of us in total and we have decided not to exhibit anyone. They all stay there, no ifs or buts. And we don’t intend to send someone on short-time work either. They also have to live on something.
What do you promise yourself from the new Minister of Health?
I just hope he does better than his predecessor. Because it is not acceptable for crowds of people to stand in front of vaccination centers, wanting to be vaccinated – and not get a response because the vaccine has been canceled. The gentlemen should do their job, just like us. But I also don’t understand some people who come to us, don’t have a vaccination card with them and then demand: Yes, make an exception! No, there’s not!
What is your state of mind after these two years of exhausting pandemic?
In the beginning it was almost worse, a real Gnackwatschn. When it all started, you thought: Well, it’s a matter of six, seven, eight weeks, and then things will go back to normal. It didn’t turn out that way. At some point you were almost used to all of this. There were so many different phases. Business is not exactly pink.
What do you do against the frustration?
The best thing to do is just grab the dog, go into the woods, and take a deep breath. Then life will look good again.