Theatre in time of the Corona Virus

Theatre in time of the Corona Virus

Broadway Theatres To Suspend Performances Through April 12, 2020

(New York, NY) – March 12, 2020 - Under the direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Broadway shows in New York City will suspend all performances immediately in support of the health and well-being of the theatregoing public, as well as those who work in the theatre industry. Performances will commence the week of April 13, 2020.

“Our top priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of Broadway theatregoers and the thousands of people who work in the theatre industry every day, including actors, musicians, stagehands, ushers, and many other dedicated professionals,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “Broadway has the power to inspire, enrich and entertain, and together we are committed to making that vital spirit a reality.  Once our stages are lit again, we will welcome fans back with open arms so that they can continue to experience the joy, heart, and goodwill that our shows so passionately express every night.”

Those holding tickets for performances through April 12, 2020 should contact their point of purchase for refunds and exchanges.

The Broadway League will continue to closely monitor the evolving coronavirus situation on behalf of the Broadway community and make decisions as circumstances require, in accordance with guidelines from the CDC and state and local health officials.

(The following article was published by Stage Whispers on March 11)

Recently I attended a Sydney theatre and sitting in the row behind was a patron with a sharp cough. The patron coughed intermittently through the whole show.

I did nothing about it and neither did the theatre. Apart from a hand sanitiser in the foyer there did not appear to be any efforts made by the venue to ameliorate the risk of spreading the coronavirus. In light of the WHO’s declaration of a Global Pandemic this is no longer good enough.

Whilst it is highly unlikely that the patron had COVID-19, given the very small numbers that have been diagnosed with the virus in Australia, theatres and theatre goers need to stand up and be more pro-active to protect the public and protect the industry.

What should be happening?  For starters let’s stop worrying about mobile phones going off during a show and instead be more focussed on encouraging patrons to stay home if they are unwell.

Whereas the Broadway Producer's League has closed down all performances 

By contrast – Australia’s peak body for the industry does not appear to be as vigilant. This is a statement released by Live Performance Australia on March 11.

“Australia’s live performance industry is paying very close attention to the evolving situation around the spread of COVID-19 both in Australia and overseas.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said the health and well-being of patrons and performers at live performance events remains the top priority for producers, promoters, venue operators and event organisers.

At this stage, the advice of the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer is that there is no material risk associated with attending a public gathering.”

In light of the WHO’s declaration of a global pandemic this is no longer good enough. We all want the live performance industry to stay open and thrive.

It’s time to step up to the challenge.

Meanwhile good news from Sydney's Belvoir Street Theatre - which is getting on the front foot. It has just released this statement.

" You will likely have read about the closure of Broadway Theatres in New York and the postponement of some music festivals in Australia. Belvoir St Theatre is a small theatre on a side street in Surry Hills, we do not have the same number of patrons coming through our doors as these organisations. To date we have not received any advice that would alter our performance schedule, and we look forward to welcoming you to the theatre soon. If we do need to close our doors, ticket holders will be eligible for a full refund or exchange.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Belvoir has taken the following precautionary measures:

  • Increased the frequency and detail of daily cleaning of the theatre by professional cleaners
  • Front of house team are sterilising all high touch areas three times per shift (incl door handles, toilet locks, hand rails, switches and buttons)
  • Hand sanitiser available for all patrons and staff

If you have travelled to or had contact with someone returning from a high risk area, please follow advice from the Australian Government, particularly regarding isolation protocol.

If you are unwell, the recommendation is you stay at home."

 

(Comments are the opinion of David Spicer)