The loss in revenue from the cancellation of performances has been estimated at around 15 million euros, which is more than the state's annual contribution to the Opera employees pension fund.
On Saturday, audience members were greeted by the reading of a trade union text before the show could get underway.
#ContesHoffmann
Opéra de Paris (@operadeparis) January 25, 2020
La représentation de l’opéra « Les Contes d’Hoffmann » de ce samedi 25 janvier à 19h30 à l’Opéra Bastille est confirmée.
Pour votre information, un texte de l’intersyndicale de l’Opéra de Paris sera lu avant le lever de rideau. pic.twitter.com/MegTtXnoBR
"To keep the Opera financially afloat, we have taken the decision to perform this evening," said the union representative, "but we will stay mobilised until the pension bill is removed."
Just before Christmas, images of the protesting Opera employees were seen around the world, as some 40 ballet dancers improvised a show of Swan Lake on the steps of the Opera Garnier in front of banners reading "culture in danger."
The Opera and the Comédie-Française are the only cultural institutions affected by the government's attempt to streamline the pension system.
Ballet dancers are among those employees determined to hold onto a unique system in existence since 1698, which allows them to retire at 42.
Its origins date to the 17th century and Louis XIV, a dancer himself who knew the crippling toll performing at the highest level can take on dancers' bodies.
Dancers have already rejected a watered down proposal that would have the change only affect those who joined the ballet after 2021.
Daily news briefReceive essential international news every morning
Subscribe
