What's the status of live theatre in Hong Kong, Taiwan, S. Korea?

March 21, 2020 2:24 PM

Calling Mefis in East Asia. Are all live theatres still shut down? If so any news on when they will reopen? We are a small improv theatre in Canada, we shutdown a week ago. We really need to get some idea of how long shutdowns last. We are paying rent and now have no income. We are going to approach the Landlord but we want to be as realistic as possible.
posted by storybored to Media & Arts (2 answers total)

I'm not in Korea, but from looking a variety of major and minor theaters online: Live theatre / concerts in Korea are operating now. They have a lot of policy changes: everyone (all guests and staff) have to wear masks, use hand sanitizer as they come in, etc. Here's an example.

I will note that this is only possible after a massive, coordinated, collective effort in self-quarantine, testing, providing supplies, etc. virtually everyone who wants test has gotten them, smartphones are used to alert people about known cases in the region, etc. South Korea has probably handled the pandemic in the best way, so this is probably why it's possible for people to gather.

In Canada/North America, things may be different - so if Korea quarantined for a month or so, honestly I'd expect that number to be at least three times longer -- for three months, etc. I will also note that many academic institutions in the US have canceled their summer programs (starting in June) - take of that what it will.
posted by suedehead at 3:58 PM on March 21, 2020 [6 favorites]

Here in Hong Kong you can check the Leisure and Cultural Services Department site for venue updates; nearly all performance spaces, amphitheaters and music halls are publicly run. That said:

- Every public performance venue has been closed since the schools shut during Chinese New Year at the end of January, about two months ago now. Some began to reopen in early March, but because of the wave of infections spread by returnees to the cities following Europe closing down, these venues will close again and not open until the end of April at the earliest. Libraries, museums, etc. are all closed as well.

- Small-scale shows, performances and events continue in bars, but people are not going out as much since it defeats the purpose of social distancing.

- The Hong Kong Arts Festival and our other major arts events have been cancelled.
posted by mdonley at 5:31 PM on March 21, 2020 [1 favorite]