BACKSTORY: A chance encounter in Leipzig..
After show in Leipzig
A social gathering of theatre and concert professionals in Leipzig Germany was the catalyst for the birth of REOBT. A collection of nearly 30 individuals, some local, some touring, but all working different venues met after-show socially by chance. European nationals from Vilnius to Famagusta and from Budapest to Manchester, an idea was in the making.
"Pooling our resources, experience and knowledge, we can produce a Europe wide spectacle"
An assembly of stage technicians and producers from all corners of Europe with a shared passion for live performance and theatre, bouncing ideas of what to create. A concept which represented our shared heritage, values and history. An emphasis on collaboration, multi-location and inclusion was paramount. Multiple ideas and proposals all pointed to the REOBT, but there was a unique additional feature.
Being more 'Casino Royale' than royalty, the unique component was a 'made for television', behind the scenes (literally) look at the live performance industry. Dispelling exclusivity and promoting inclusion, REOBT presents an opportunity to inspire people to perform, collaborate and enjoy live production whether on or off stage. Music and performance can overcome barriers of creed, gender, age or race.
more Casino Royale than Royalty
"There's never a right time to launch, but there's definitely a wrong time!"
With over 200 contributors, foundations in place and boundless enthusiasm REOBT was ready to introduce itself to the world and commence rollout at the beginning of 2016, but then everything changed.
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The November 2015 Paris attack, followed in 2016 with Brussels bombings, Atatürk Airport, the Nice truck attack, through to 2017 Manchester Arena, St Petersburg Metro, Las Ramblas Barcelona (to name but a few incidents) changed the psyche of Europe.
Members of the REOBT team had lost a relative in Paris and friends and family injured in both Brussels and Manchester. Terrorism high alert was not the environment to launch.
REOBT was put on hold indefinitely.
By the end of 2018 the terrorism threat level had been lowered and Europe was returning to normality. We decided a deadline of end of 2019 in preparation for a 2020-21 rollout and launch. However, Covid19 had other plans for the world!
By 2022 an industry decimated financially by Cov19 for two years, was always going to change our capacity, perspective and strategy to roll-out, but never our dedication. Rolling-out 2024 for late Summer 2025 launch. The time is now.