“Since the 18th century almost every German city has had a subsidised theatre, opera and orchestra. In Berlin the local authority spends up to €200 (£141) on each theatre or concert hall seat every year whether filled or not. But the city can no longer afford it. With debts of nearly €50bn, the city is effectively bankrupt.” So it is slashing its culture budget, laying off arts workers and reigning in expenditures on the city’s arts, to the anguished cries of artists and citizens.