A pre-Christmas Chat
Hi Everyone,
I hope you are fit and well. I thought it was time I put a few more thoughts down about the past few months and about the year ahead.
I feel sure everyone will agree that 2020 has been one of, if not the, most difficult years we have lived through. Everyone has been touched in some way by the pandemic. Many have had to forfeit seeing their nearest and dearest for many months, many have had to isolate without daily contact from friends and relatives and many have fallen through the government’s safety net and missed out on much needed financial support.
“I want to shine a light on those working in the performing arts and hospitality industry”
The great news today is the arrival of the vaccine and the prospect of us all being able to return to something like normal life (hopefully), by next summer. In this little blog I want to shine a light on those working in the performing arts and hospitality industry who have been badly affected over the past months. I don’t just mean financially but also emotionally.
If you have read my short biography on the site, you will know that I have worked in the arts all my life and even now (alongside my art work), I work as one of the Front of House Supervisors for English National Opera at The London Coliseum in central London. It’s a fantastic job and it’s really just an excuse to see lots of wonderful performances without having to pay for a ticket….lol
When the first lockdown was introduced we were in the middle of the opera season which included ENO’s magical production of ‘Madam Butterfly’ directed by the late Anthony Minghella, our new production of ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ had just opened and the new production of ‘Rusalka’ was about to open. Then nothing.
Singers spend many months learning and perfecting a role. Chorus members rehearse endlessly so that every word is beautifully ‘in the voice’ and ‘from memory’.
Orchestral players the same. A performance in any theatre, opera house or concert hall also involves hundreds of staff: wardrobe staff, stage management and crew, front of house staff and an extensive management and creative team.
Yes, some furlough payments were gratefully received by some performers in the UK (ENO was lucky) but many working in smaller venues or ‘resting’ did not qualify and have had to manage without any payment whatsoever. It’s very hard to be creative under those circumstances – you still need to keep your voice and body in good nick ready for the return but when classes, workshops and all rehearsals stop it takes a huge toll both mentally and physically.
Then there are the theatre bar and restaurant staff, many of those who work in theatres to pay the rent are wonderful budding performers. The lockdown will also close many great restaurants, bars and coffee bars. Sadly, many may never open again leaving thousands unemployed. The toll is huge and very sad.
“The toll is huge and very sad”
Painters and sculptors are perhaps a little more used to working on their own. The only thing that will become even more difficult for them is selling their work given that the pandemic has brought out the artist in many people (just look at the number of artists displaying their work on-line) and that there will inevitably be less disposable income about over the coming years.
So, firstly, if you know a performer, check on them, make sure they are coping ok. Secondly, when we can go back, support as much live theatre as you possibly can. It’s going to take a long time to build up audiences again to the pre-covid levels but, with a great effort we can get back to some sort of normality.
So my request is simple - support the wonderful world of theatre, music and dance.
NEW GREETING CARDS
Re:- Gallery Gaetano – last week I brought out a series of beautiful greeting cards. Each card is taken from one of my paintings and it would be great to have your custom and your feedback.
Be safe and well and have a very happy Christmas and a great 2021.
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