The last year has been a struggle for most industries. In the beginning, the fear of an unknown enemy (the corona virus) and the unintended consequences were dominant. One had to mobilize forces and prepare for the unknown. The strongest and most intrusive measures we have had in Norway in peacetime were introduced (Quote Norwegian Government March 2020). This required immediate adjustment and adaptation to meet the challenges, and to be able to maintain the most normal operation possible. The unpredictability has been palpable and some groups in society have been hit harder than others. At home, many single people have had a particularly tough time. Nurses and other health workers have been at the forefront and fighting a battle many of us others have only heard about through the news. Teachers and others in the education sector have worked hard to ensure the most normal situation for our children. The future. Tourism, restaurant, culture, and entertainment are other sectors that have been hit extra hard and directly by the corona situation. Digital services fail to fully replace the impressions and impulses the presence of other people provides. The perfect imperfections in a performance, the smells, the audience’s reactions, the surroundings and the magic from stage are unique.
One of Winston Churchill‘s famous statements during World War II when he was challenged on a budget with increased arts funding is said to be:
“How can you propose this at a time of extreme national crisis?” asked one member of Parliament.
Churchill replied, “I do it, sir, to remind us what we are fighting for.”
(http://www.artsintegrity.org/winston-churchills-famous-arts-quote-is-alas-bogus/)
BEIN Engineering’s engineers work in several market areas. It is with pleasure that we assist the National Theater in Norway with project management in connection with the facilitation of Kanonhallen on Løren as one of their new venues during the period when the main house (Nationaltheatret Oslo) is being rehabilitated. The listed Kanonhallen is a building with a long history from various uses, and in recent years has functioned as a culture house. Originally, the cannon hall was built and used by the German occupation forces during World War II as a workshop for artillery. The National Theater plans to house close to 350 spectators when everything is ready.
BEIN Engineering assists the Norwegian National Theatre with project management and engineering.
Spring and summer is on its way with longer days. The authorities provide hope that the beginning of the end of the fight against the coronavirus is underway. History shows that battles have been fought before, and battles will be fought again. We will also get through this and look forward to a more desirable everyday life and with normal contact with other people again. What we now fight for.