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January 24, 2005
Diaghilev truck drivers in the cold
The city of Groningen hosts the Diaghilev Festival this week. This festival is the reason for a couple of mayor orchestras to travel to this city in the North of the Netherlands that otherwise is left forgotten.
Among the mayor orchestras are the Royal Concertgebouworchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and last but not least the Kirov Orchestra including the ballet.
The Russians have such a bad reputation, by the way, the festival organization decreed a prohibition.
Eight trucks were needed to transport the scenery for the ballet performances from Sint Petersburg to Groningen. The organization housed all participants except the truck drivers. They have to sleep in their trucks without use of toilets.
The truckers weren't even allowed to eat and use the bathrooms in the artists foyer at first.
The festival management defends itself stating that the truckers are the responsibility of the Mariinsky Theatre.
It is freezing cold at night. It is a shame that these truckers aren't cared for during such a prestigious festival. They work for the festival and someone needs to take responsibility.
Posted by Renske at 15:02 UTC | permanent link