Theater Tofta has set up summer theater for the past 15 years – but not this year. Last summer was the last one.
It is mainly an economic issue, says Göran Parkrud who runs the theater with Susanna Helldén.
Parkrud mentions reduced support from Kungälvs municipality and increased personnel costs as reasons for discontinuing the summer theater.
It is with sorrow in our hearts that we do it, but we will get around it, he says about the decision.
However, Theater Tofta will continue with touring performances throughout the year.
New-old productions
Romateatern on Gotland closed down last year and now plays in a theater wagon instead of in the old monastery ruin. At Sweden's regional theaters, the number of performances is slightly fewer this summer, according to Robert Uitto, chairman of the Regional Theaters in Sweden and cultural policy spokesperson (S) in the Jämtland Härjedalen region.
The government has reduced the state allocation to regional culture by 20 million kronor over three years. The allocation is not even counted up for, for example, increased salary costs. It is visible in two ways, Uitto believes.
One is that you do not make new productions to the same extent for the summer. You run the same performance as you have done in previous years.
Västerbottensteatern plays "Spelman på taket" as last year, Estrad Norr does "A musical fantasy about Lapp-Nils" for the third year in a row, and Norrbottensteatern had a new premiere of a production from 2023. It is no coincidence, according to Uitto.
There is nothing wrong with playing the same performance for several years in a row. But there is always a desire to create something new.
More expensive tickets
At the same time, several theaters have been forced to raise ticket prices. Higher prices mean fewer opportunities to go to the theater, Uitto believes.
The government wants to see more opportunities for private donations in the cultural sector and has appointed an investigation. The proposal is something that the regional theaters have discussed.
There is no major resistance to complementary financing, says Uitto.
However, he points out that it can lead to unpredictability in the economy. If other types of funds come in, Uitto sees a risk that municipalities and regions will see an opportunity to reduce their support.
Then it becomes even more uncertain, he says.
