Mikkeli Theater, a small theater in Finland, has announced the cancellation of all its performances for the week as a significant number of staff members are currently ill. The theater director, Pekka Laasonen, explained that the cancellations are not solely due to the illness of actors but also involve technicians and other support staff. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities of small theaters that may not have the capacity to maintain a sufficient reserve staff to cover for unexpected absences.

With a workforce of only 35 individuals, of whom six are currently actors, the theater faces challenges in finding substitutes when multiple team members fall ill. The absence of a backup staff system further complicates the situation, as highlighted by Laasonen. For instance, a large group from another city was expected to attend a performance, and the theater has been actively trying to find alternative evening programs for them in Mikkeli. This scenario emphasizes the broader implications for the theater's scheduling and potential financial impacts from cancellations.

Riina Uimonen, chairperson of the Mikkeli actors’ union, called the current health situation exceptional, noting that she cannot recall experiencing anything like it before. The difficulties in replacing sick actors are particularly pronounced in a small theater environment, where typically all actors may be involved in the same production. This situation raises questions about the sustainability and resilience of small cultural institutions in the face of unforeseen challenges like illness outbreaks among staff members.