I don't mean to be a pessimist but I don't see theater (or concerts or sporting events, etc) coming back until there's a vaccine... which could mean next spring. But I kind of think it's a nonstarter to think about theater returning before then. I know it's devastating but I can't really see it any other way. Even with antibody testing, you can't really put on shows with just a certain amount of people (with confirmed covid antibodies).
I think for the next year we just have to figure out ways to support performing artists & institutions that don't require mass gatherings. I don't know how far the stimulus packages & fundraisers are going to go, but one thing I thought of was some sort of paid livestream of shows, both new & old. I wonder if they are able to use the NYPL Performing Arts recordings? I know there are a slew of union rules they'd have to sort out but what better time to figure that out than now! Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. |
