Theatre in the age of pandemic - how are cultural institutions coping with constraints?

As one of the oldest forms of artistic expression, theatre has always been a place where people can come together to experience shared emotion, reflection and understanding. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced theatres around the world to close their doors, resulting not only in financial losses, but also forcing the industry to rethink its approach to creativity and audience interaction.

The introduction to the issue of theatres in a pandemic covers several key issues that are now at the forefront. These include:

• Transitioning to an online format: many theatres have chosen to broadcast their performances online, which has allowed them to maintain contact with their audiences and continue their artistic activities. However, this has also brought a number of challenges, such as adapting performances to the new medium, maintaining performance quality and understanding how to effectively engage audiences remotely.

• Financial losses: The closure of theatres has caused huge financial losses for the industry. Without tickets sold for performances, many theatres are facing financial problems that could threaten their survival.

• Audience and artist safety: When theatres are able to reopen their doors, they must ensure safety for both their audiences and their artists. This means introducing new procedures and protocols that can affect the theatre experience.

These problems are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the challenges that theatre faces during a pandemic. However, despite these difficulties, theatre as an art form is remarkably resilient and adaptable. We can only hope that these challenges will also bring new opportunities for growth and innovation in the field.

Review of restrictions introduced in connection with the pandemic

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have imposed a number of restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of the virus. These measures, while necessary to protect public health, have had a significant impact on daily life and business. In this article, we will look at the most important restrictions put in place as a result of the pandemic.

Key restrictions put in place due to the pandemic:

• Prohibition of assembly: Many countries have introduced restrictions on public assemblies, both in the open air and in enclosed spaces. Some places have banned assemblies larger than a certain number of people, while others have banned assemblies altogether.
• Travel restrictions: Restrictions on international and domestic travel have been introduced. Many countries have closed their borders to foreigners and some have introduced quarantines for visitors.
• Closure of educational establishments: Schools, universities and other educational establishments have closed in many countries, forcing students and teachers to switch to remote learning.
• Closure of businesses: Many businesses, especially those requiring direct customer contact, have temporarily closed. This included restaurants, gyms, cinemas and theatres.

Below is a comparative table that shows how different countries have applied these restrictions.

All these restrictions were aimed at stopping the spread of the virus and protecting public health. However, the introduction of these measures also had serious economic and social consequences that will be felt for many years to come.

Adaptation of theatres to new conditions - innovative solutions

Adapting theatres to new conditions is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to introduce innovative solutions that can attract new audiences and increase the attractiveness of these institutions. In the age of digitalisation and the growing role of technology, theatres need to follow these trends in order not to be left behind.

Among the most important changes currently taking place in theatres are:

• Interactive performances - Increasingly, theatres are using VR (virtual reality) or AR (augmented reality) technology to offer audiences unique experiences. This allows the audience to become part of the performance and not just a passive observer.
• Online broadcasts - In the age of pandemonium, many theatres have started to broadcast their performances on the internet. This solution allows them to reach a wider audience, regardless of where they live.
• Interactive workshops - Theatres are increasingly organising workshops for children and young people, where participants can learn the basics of acting, directing or stage design. This is an excellent way to promote culture and the arts among the younger generation.

All these changes are aimed at adapting theatres to new conditions and meeting the expectations of modern audiences. However, regardless of the innovations introduced, the most important thing is to preserve the essence of theatre, i.e. living contact with the audience and conveying emotions through the art of acting.

The table below compares the traditional and modern solutions used in theatres:

In conclusion, adapting theatres to new conditions is a process that requires creativity and openness to change. But by doing so, theatres have the chance to attract new audiences and offer them memorable experiences.

Online theatre - a new form of art presentation

Online theatre is a modern form of art presentation that is gaining popularity in the age of digitalisation and global pandemonium. Thanks to technology, theatre arts are becoming accessible to a wider audience, regardless of where you live or your current health situation. Online theatre is not only about live broadcasts, but also recordings of performances that can be viewed at any time. It is an excellent alternative to traditional forms of presenting the arts, making it possible to reach new audiences and offer them a unique cultural experience.

It is worth noting a few key aspects that distinguish online theatre:

• Availability - The online theatre is accessible to anyone with internet access, regardless of where they live.
• Convenience - Performances can be seen anywhere, anytime, and there is no need to worry about tickets or getting to the theatre.
• Diversity - The offer of online theatres is very wide, ranging from classic plays to modern productions.
• Interactivity - Some online theatres offer the opportunity to interact with actors or directors, giving a unique experience.

When comparing online theatre with traditional theatre, there are a number of differences that affect the audience experience:

Online theatre is definitely more than just an alternative to the traditional form of presenting art. It is a new dimension of cultural experience that deserves the attention of both theatre lovers and those who are just beginning their adventure with this art form.

Impact of the pandemic on the finances of cultural institutions

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on many sectors of the economy, and cultural institutions were no exception. Many of them had to suspend their activities, which translated into significant financial losses.

Impact of the pandemic on the finances of cultural institutions

The closure of museums, theatres, cinemas and art galleries has meant that these institutions have lost their main source of income, which is ticket sales. In addition, many of them had to give up organising paid special events such as temporary exhibitions, concerts or workshops. As a result, cultural institutions have found themselves in a difficult financial situation, from which the way out is not easy.

Comparison of the financial situation of cultural institutions before and after the pandemic outbreak

The pandemic has forced cultural institutions to look for new forms of activity and sources of income. Many of them have decided to digitise their offer, organising virtual exhibitions, online concerts or workshops conducted remotely. Although such solutions do not generate as much revenue as traditional forms of activity, they allow them to stay in touch with their audiences and survive difficult times.The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important it is for cultural institutions to have a flexible strategy that allows them to adapt to changing conditions. In the future, these institutions will need to focus even more on digitalisation and developing new forms of activities that will allow them to survive in the event of further crises.

The future of theatre after the pandemic - predictions and expectations

The future of theatre after the pandemic is a topic that raises many emotions and questions. Many of us wonder what it will be like to return to the theatre halls, what changes the new reality will bring with it and what are the predictions for the future. All indications are that theatre, like many other cultural sectors, will have to adapt to the new conditions.

Among the most important expectations of audiences and theatre makers for the future, a few key points can be identified:

• Safety - for both audiences and actors. This means introducing new sanitation procedures, limiting the number of seats in the auditoriums, as well as using new technology to enable safe use of the theatre.
• Accessibility - the pandemic has shown the importance of access to culture for all. Therefore, theatres are expected to seek to increase their accessibility, e.g. through online broadcasts, access to recordings of performances, and by organising performances in public venues.
• Innovation - the pandemic has forced theatres to seek new solutions and forms of art presentation. It is expected that this trend will continue, with theatres seeking to make creative use of new technologies and art forms.

Predictions for the future of theatre vary. Some argue that the pandemic has accelerated processes that were inevitable anyway - digitalisation, the search for new forms and technologies, increased accessibility. Others are of the opinion that theatre will return to its traditional form, but will face new challenges, such as competition with other forms of entertainment or changing audience expectations. One thing is certain - the future of theatre after the pandemic will be full of challenges, but also full of new opportunities.

Summary - how are theatres coping with the pandemic?

Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, theatres around the world have had to adapt to new conditions. In Poland, as in other countries, theatres are facing many challenges, but at the same time they are trying to find new and creative ways to reach their audiences.

Many theatres have decided to take their activities online. Streaming performances, online workshops and even interactive live performances on social media have become the new norm. This allows theatres to continue to fulfil their cultural and educational mission, despite the limitations.

However, not everything is so rosy. Not being able to organise live performances means huge financial losses for theatres. Many have had to reduce staff and some are even on the verge of bankruptcy.

Below are some key points that show how theatres are dealing with the pandemic:

• Transfer of business to the internet: streaming, online workshops, live interactive performances.
• Financial losses: not being able to organise live performances means huge financial losses for theatres.
• Reduction in employment: many theatres have had to reduce staff to survive.
• Government support: some theatres have received financial support from the government, but this is not always sufficient.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced theatres to adapt to new conditions. Despite the many difficulties, theatres continue to strive to fulfil their mission of providing culture and education to audiences. However, without adequate financial support, the future of many of them is uncertain.