When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the multibillion-dollar performing arts industry was forced to shut down almost overnight. Theatre, concert halls and comedy clubs suddenly went dark. So what does the future hold for the sector? As some venues start to reopen, what exactly is the theatrical experience going to look like in a socially distanced world?
First on the podcast we have Ignacio García-Belenguer, director general of Madrid's Teatro Real opera house. He tells us how his theatre has dealt with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and how they have found new ways to reach their audience [03:31].
We also talk to Edinburgh International Festival director Fergus Linehan, who explains how one of the world’s biggest arts festivals is coping with COVID-19 [07.00]. He tells us exactly how much revenue has disappeared and how the festival is trying to chart a course through the pandemic.
Finally we talk to award-winning actor, director and writer Simon Callow. Simon explains why he is trying to be optimistic for the performing arts in dealing with the pandemic [12:58]. He also explains why he believes that the theatre addresses an intrinsic human need, and why it’s important to support the theatre and the performing arts [17:24].