By: Zofia Lewandowska
Maybe you can remember the incident in the theatre 14.4.2024. It was a horrible situation and I decided to bring you an update on this topic because it is something that might be of interest to you, our dear readers. And to answer the question, is the theatre safe anymore? The answer can be found below!
I came to the theatre to meet Acland Carriére, who is one of the important employees there. I wanted to ask him some questions about the last few days and about his plans for the future and the measures already taken and planned.
When I entered the theatre, I also met Tala Coletti, a friend of my ex-boyfriend and she is also husband of the dean of the university Mark Coletti. It’s a small world, this circle of good people.
Tala joined the conversation with Acland and we all shared time together and openly discussed topics of the past and future.
The Interview
Before the interview started, we moved to the theater chairs and I asked them questions. Tala and Acland were very helpful and friendly and I felt that they were really affected and disturbed by the situation and the farce that the clowns had brought to them.
Zofia “Hello, Acland and Tala. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. I imagine you’re a very busy last days. How are you doing after the incident that happened on April 14th?”
Tala “So far I feel weak and in pain. I’m also very lucky to be alive. Maybe like a fool, because I was fooled as to what they were really up to.”
Acland “It’s a pleasure to speak with Observer. It’s been quite a challenge for both of us. My frustration with the whole farce is quite deep. I’m still a little angry about it all.”
Zofia “Thank you for your answers. Tala, please don’t feel like a fool. I wanted to check in too. But you were faster! It was a terrible situation, the gas and the violence. Acland, I remember you acted quickly to save Tala. It was a heroic act. But may I ask you both what measures were taken to increase the safety of the visitors? Security cameras? Guards? Security checks?”
Tala “We plan to be more careful and control things better.”
I get the feeling from Tala’s response that she left this topic for Acland to answer.
Acland “No, it’s not heroism. Decent. Most “heroes” these days only commit acts for the accolades they are promised as rewards. As I wrote in my apology statement, I personally intend to control any scenery that is put on the show. But that’s the least I intend to do. I’m hoping to secure a security detail for the theatre soon. I’d prefer that there were no guns in this sanctuary at all, but… what’s that sentence? Desperate times call for desperate measures? These people will be checking on everyone, staff and visitors alike.”
Zofia “Thank you. You seem to take it very seriously, and that’s good for visitors and their security. Now I’m going to move a little bit into the future. What are your plans and what can we look forward to at the theater? What new things can people look forward to?”
Acland “We are currently reopening the theatre to the public and will be presenting Sondheim’s musical Into the Woods daily. In addition to the cinema, we also have a Vendetta Cycle theatre production on the schedule. The show opens on May 18.”
Unfortunately, Tala was busy dealing with the business situation at the theatre from that point on. So only Acland answered further questions.
Zofia “That sounds amazing, Acland. So people can look forward to it! Maybe I could offer you a dance recital. I dance with fire, mostly modern dance, but really, back to our conversation. If you agree, we will now move on to a more personal level. Our readers would like to know more about both of you. I was wondering where you’re from and how long you’ve been working for the theatre?”
I couldn’t not offer them my services as a fire dancer. You may have already seen me at some of the shows.
Acland “France, of course. Alsace region in Mulhouse. I’ve been working for this magnificent theatre almost as long as I’ve been at Hatian. Four months. My stay in this parish has been… demanding, yet I have enjoyed my days in this theater.”
Zofia “I was in Paris. Beautiful city! Another question. Acland and Tala, what are your hobbies and what led you to start working for the theatre?”
Acland “A lot of people are coming to Paris. I don’t blame them in the least, but they should definitely see the rest of France. It’s beautiful all over, there’s no end to its charm wherever you are. My greatest hobby is no different from my job, the one that brought me to this theater. First of all, I’m an instrumentalist. My forte happens to be keyboard instruments such as the piano, although I have been known to play the violin as well. I’m sure many Hathians have passed me at times when I was just out on the corner playing them. But I promise you, you won’t hear a better pianist than me!”
I get the sense from Acland’s non-verbal responses that he is proud to be an insturumentalist, and that he could be very skilled.
Zofia “I believe France must be a beautiful country Acland and I admire your skills. It’s not easy being an instrumentalist. Music… is important in our lives, as is love. I have one last question. Can you tell our readers something about yourself? Something positive that can motivate people to do the right and positive thing?”
Acland “I’m just doing what I think is common sense. Isn’t that what it is, treating others as they wish? You don’t have to be a saint, nobody is. It’s… It’s best to think of yourself differently when you see someone else, to see them as yourself in their place. Wouldn’t you want someone to help you or save you if they were so close to you that you witnessed it? I know I would if I were that helpless.”
I felt that Acland was too modest in his last answer.
Then our conversation ended and I thanked both Tala and Acland and wished them well.
Conclusion
As you can see, you don’t have to go far to meet a hero who saved the lives of his colleagues and acted bravely and positively. Hathian needs more people like Acland and Tala, yes, please take a cue from them.
Now to the question I asked at the beginning. Is it safe to go to the theatre? Yes, it is! Because Tala and Acland take the situation seriously and work hard to make the place safe and open to visitors.
