Habima, Israel’s national theater is in severe financial straits and will be forced to retrench beginning in July, it was learned today. The internationally prominent troupe will dismiss 30 administrative employees and stage hands and will close down a small theater it has maintained for years. Seven actors were let go earlier this year reducing the performing company to 45 permanent and contract artists.
Habima has been operating on a budget of IL 12 million a year, of which IL 8 million was provided by the government. The government announced recently that it cannot increase the subsidy. Only about IL 2 million is realizable from ticket sales. Habima aims to reduce its budget to IL 10 million. Other cultural institutions supported by the government are also in trouble. These include the Haifa Orchestra, the Israeli Opera and Bimot, a small theatrical group.
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