Jobless French culture workers occupy 19th century theatre to demand aid

Protesters from the French performing arts industry demonstrate from the balcony of the French Theatre Odeon theatre de l'Europe in Paris on March 4. Photo: AP

Out-of-work French culture and tourism workers are occupying an iconic theatre on Paris’ Left Bank to demand more government support after a year of pandemic that has devastated their incomes and put their livelihoods on indefinite hold.

With sleeping bags and food, they've set up inside the ornate lobby and velveted balconies of the 19th century Odeon Theater for as long as it takes to call attention to their demands.