Extensive water damage at Berliner Ensemble theatre will lead to expenses of at least one million euros.

The Berliner Ensemble, a renowned theatre located in Berlin, Germany, experienced a substantial setback on Friday evening, April 9, as an accidental activation of an emergency sprinkler system caused extensive water damage to the main stage.

Approximately 15,000 litres of water were involved in the incident, which occurred during the intermission of the play Ivanov. Fortunately, no audience members were present at the time, and no injuries or casualties have been reported.

Oliver Resse, the managing director of Berliner Ensemble, expressed his relief that no one was hurt and stated that the theatre is now focusing on assessing the extent of the damage and planning repairs.

The water damage has affected many devices, including lighting and sound equipment, which are damaged beyond repair. The theatre is expecting repairs to cost at least one million euros, with further significant financial losses due to cancelled performances.

Anyone who already has tickets for an upcoming show will be contacted by post. The current schedule of performances will need to be adjusted, and it's not likely that the premiere of Sibylle Berg's RCE, scheduled for April 25th, will take place as planned.

Sibylle Berg, a German writer and publicist born on June 2, 1968, in Weimar, East Germany, is considered one of the most influential contemporary German-speaking authors and playwrights. Her works have been translated into many languages, and she has received numerous prestigious awards.

A more precise estimate of the damage will only be possible after further analyses. The theatre is working closely with insurance companies and experts to determine the full extent of the damage and the costs associated with repairs.

The Berliner Ensemble, founded by Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel in 1949, is a significant cultural institution in Berlin. The theatre is known for its commitment to Brecht's epic theatre and for its innovative productions. This recent setback is a blow to the theatre, but the team is determined to overcome the challenges and continue to provide high-quality performances for audiences.