Paris Theatre in Chaos: 300 Migrants Take Over, Forcing Cancellations and Financial Meltdown”
The Gaîté Lyrique theatre in Paris, a well-known venue famous for its bold and left-wing shows, is facing a tough financial crisis. Around 300 African migrants have taken over the theatre, refusing to leave after a refugee conference held there on December 10. This occupation has forced the theatre to cancel all performances until January 24, cutting off its main source of income.
The theatre, which relies on ticket sales for 70% of its revenue, is struggling to pay its bills and the wages of its 60 employees. Theatre management said they can’t imagine forcing the migrants out in the middle of winter, even though the situation is becoming unsustainable.
The occupation started when 250 migrants, who attended a free refugee conference at the theatre, refused to leave after the event. Over time, the number of migrants grew to 300. Life inside the theatre is active, with daily meetings, chants, and protests creating a lively, yet noisy atmosphere.
This situation has caused problems for the Paris city council, which owns the theatre. The council has tried to find other places for the migrants to stay but hasn’t succeeded. They’ve also asked the national government to step in, but President Macron’s administration has so far refused to get involved.
Local businesses near the theatre are also feeling the impact. The Bistrot De La Gaïté, a nearby restaurant, has lost about €30,000 since the occupation began. The restaurant’s manager, Elia, whose family moved to France from Algeria, said her business is struggling because the theatre is closed, and passersby are avoiding the area. She said the migrants gather outside her terrace, smoking and sometimes fighting, which scares customers away.
When the migrants first arrived in Paris, many claimed to be under 18, hoping to receive housing and support. However, authorities determined most of them were adults after conducting age tests. With nowhere else to go, many ended up sleeping on the streets before activists brought them to the theatre.
The group organizing the occupation, called Collectif des Jeunes du Parc de Belleville, says the theatre has become a symbol of their fight against racism and colonialism. They’ve criticized the age tests as unfair and discriminatory.
While the migrants and activists continue to occupy the building, the theatre’s future remains uncertain. The conflict highlights the struggle between addressing humanitarian needs and managing the financial and social impact on the local community.
