Amina L'Bini, Security Supervisor
Security Supervisor Amina L’Bini talks about her experience of looking after the Royal Opera House during lockdown.
In February 2020, the Royal Opera House welcomed a new Security Supervisor, Amina L’Bini. When she was just one month into the job, the Royal Opera House went into lockdown, and Amina was one of six people left looking after the building. We caught up with her in early August to talk about her experience so far.
Tell us about the first few months of your job.
‘I was just learning the process and the paperwork side of the job, thinking summer is coming and we have the Spring Season and I’ll be able to see a performance or rehearsal. Lockdown has given me a chance to learn the business and get to know who’s who and about the day to day, but it’s so airy! I was learning the building walking around on my night shift, just seeing rows and rows of costumes and empty studios but no people.’
How has the building felt without its usual residents?
'Oh my gosh, I miss you guys so much! From March to June, it was absolutely heartbreaking. Covent Garden was just deserted. You could drop a pin in the middle of the square and hear it from miles away. We worked really well with CORPS, the opera house’s security company, and Covent Garden security, but there were still no people! It’s all about people – our business is people.’
How have things changed since June?
'In June, we had the three concerts online… that was amazing! We had extra staff and security, the dancers, opera singers and musicians. It was nice just to have background noise! In July I got my “little butterflies” back, as I call them – we got the dancers back in rehearsal! That was nice because when you pass the studio and they’re doing their rehearsals, you share a smile and eye-contact and have a virtual hug and say “Welcome back!”. We were punching the air and thinking that we are moving forward – maybe just a half or a quarter of a step, but it’s better than nothing!'
Custodians for COVID
Amina has also been one of the stars of Joanna Vestey’s project ‘Custodians for COVID’. Joanna photographed the empty auditoriums of closed theatres and the custodians looking after them.
‘I’m just so glad I could help, anything just to help see the House through this! I got to meet Joanna and work with her – she’s amazing! She supported me all the way through the shoot. It’s just a pleasure to look after this beautiful building and its history and make sure that I and my team are doing a really great job of keeping it safe and secure while we wait for you guys to return.’
What are you most looking forward to about the Royal Opera House reopening?
‘Just to have the staff and audiences back and the energy that they bring and the extra tasks they give us! We want to look after everyone and keep them safe. For our people the Royal Opera House is home!’
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)