For over a month, homeless immigrants have occupied the Gaîté Lyrique theatre in Paris. The occupation began after the theatre hosted a free conference titled “Welcoming Refugee Resettlement in France.” During the event, 250 homeless African immigrants, who had attended the conference, set up camp at the theatre. An additional 50 immigrants, who had no shelter for the winter, also joined them.
This occupation has forced the theatre administration to cancel all performances until at least January 24, risking the theatre’s bankruptcy. The institution relies on 70% of its income from performances and 30% from government subsidies. Despite facing a significant financial loss in December and struggling to pay its 60 employees’ salaries, the theatre administration issued a statement saying it is unimaginable to push these people out onto the streets in the middle of winter.
The theatre has appealed to the French government and local authorities to find appropriate shelter for the hundreds of immigrants.
