Prof. MgA. Jan Burian, a graduate of the Prague DAMU and director of many notable titles in Czech and Moravian theatres. In addition to directing, he is a teacher. He has gained experience in managerial positions at several theatres. Since the 2013/2014 season, he has been the General Director of the National Theatre in Prague.
The impact of the pandemic on Czech culture was certainly not negligible, even for the National Theatre. How will this affect your plans for the future?
The effects were severe not only in the Czech Republic but throughout Europe. And in all the foreign theatres with which the National Theatre cooperates. We make plans for two years in advance and have had to change them repeatedly. We have had to terminate thousands of contracts and make new ones, change dates, and other related conditions. In addition, we have to respond to the different epidemiological situations in different countries. The pandemic has also significantly affected — and will continue to affect — our visitor numbers and our revenues. Tourism has disappeared and is not recovering significantly. Audience mobility within the Czech Republic has also declined. We have been heavily compensated for lost revenue and will need it in the years to come. There are many unknowns, and predicting the future is more complicated than it was many years ago. I think we are approaching the need for a serious political decision. Keeping the National Theatre fully operational will require increased public subsidy and widespread public and government conviction that funding this key cultural institution brings great advantages and benefits as far as the spiritual development of society is concerned, and it is worth investing considerable resources.
The National Theatre is not only about sensory perception, but the contact between the artist and the audience which takes place on the individual stages. You cannot save indefinitely. What do energy-saving projects mean to you?
Above all, we care about our shared environment. Because by saving energy, we save air and nature for the future. We are a responsible public institution and want to raise public awareness of the need to care for a healthier environment. Large theatrical performances naturally require a lot of energy consumption. Lighting the stage and providing comfort or the audience comes at a cost. But that is why we are looking for ways to save money wherever we can. Savings are, of course, also economical. Lower energy bills mean the possibility of greater investment in artistic quality.
As part of the announcement of the approval of the National Recovery Plan of the Czech Republic, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen visited the State Opera House, where the ČEZ ESCO Group has started a comprehensive energy-saving project. How did she like this project?
We were particularly pleased to welcome Ursula von der Leyen to the newly renovated State Opera House. The European Union’s emphasis on energy savings is also a priority for us. We have shown the President that, even in a complex and technically demanding operation such as the Opera House, a number of environmentally friendly steps can be taken. The President praised us.
The National Theatre includes several listed buildings. How can green energy infrastructure be reconciled with a listed building?
Beautiful and historically valuable theatre buildings were of course not built with today’s demands for energy efficiency and effectiveness in mind. Therefore, every renovation is a big challenge for us and the designers. We always prepare a set of coherent measures — technical, operational and constructional — that lead to a better overall energy balance. We are compelled by conscience and economics.
Managing a cultural colossus like the National Theatre requires a lot of managerial energy. Can you tell us where you draw it from and how?
I draw energy like any other person — from a happy family, from my students, on walks in the woods, and while working in the garden. But mainly from the success of our artists at home and abroad.
Thank you for the interview
