Théâtre la Seizième, PuSh plead with B.C. government to hold COVID-19 talks with arts sector upon being forced to cancel VIOLETTE
Local arts groups say virtual-reality experience had “drastic” safety measures in place; question why malls, restaurants can operate but a virtual show for a single spectator can’t go on
Théâtre la Seizième and PuSh International Performing Arts Festival have announced the cancellation of all performances of VIOLETTE (originally scheduled for January 28 to February 6), due to the extension of provincial health restrictions despite having “drastic” safety measures in place.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry extended the restrictions until February 5, meaning that theatres and cinemas must remain closed.
In a joint release, Théâtre la Seizième and PuSh stated that the organizations worked hard to increase their safety protocols in accordance with all provincial health guidelines and were confident that they would be able to safely present the virtual reality experience. A single spectator at a time was to experience the 25-minute event in a self-contained unit.
“In addition to creating a performance experienced by one audience member at a time, the COVID-19 Safety Plan contained drastic measures, including the use of virtual reality, wearing of masks and face shields by all workers, 14-day quarantine, and COVID-19 tests for the entire artistic team, adherence to physical distancing measures, and deep cleaning of all material and surfaces after each performance with certified technologies,” the release said.
The two long-standing Vancouver arts organizations noted that the safety and security of the public are at their top priority. They believe they did everything in their power to welcome audience members in the safest way possible. While complying with the provincial regulations, the groups also expressed a sense of extreme concern and frustration over the way the arts sector seem to continually be overlooked by the government.
“Today, we are deeply disappointed and sorry that, due to our venue’s classification as a theatre, our audience members cannot take part in this experience, accessed by one person at a time, although people are still permitted to go to restaurants, museums, shopping malls or the hairdresser, around many other people,” the statement read.
Stir previously reported that arts leaders from across B.C. have asked the provincial government and the office of the provincial health officer for a task force on the arts to help the sector recover from the impact of COVID-19—similar to B.C.’s Tourism Task Force that was established in September 2020. Firehall Arts Centre artistic producer Donna Spencer, who’s leading the effort, says that they have not had any opportunity to discuss their concerns with anyone from the provincial government.
Stir requested an interview with Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Melanie Mark and was told it could not be accommodated until early February.
“Since the start of the pandemic, the entire Arts and Culture sector has been asked to adapt,” the release said. “To adapt is what we do, constantly, and we feel our efforts are in vain. Today, we are adding our voice to the growing number of our colleagues, and we humbly ask the government of British Columbia to urgently address the unfair treatment of our sector and all of its workers who are being exposed to the hardship of constantly having to adapt.”
The groups highlighted the “incredible work” being done by Montreal-based company Joe Jack et John, creators of VIOLETTE, which features intellectually disabled performers. Joe Jack et John is an inclusive, predominantly female group of artists.
PuSh and La Seizième thanked their audience, collaborators, artists, and friends for their support.
“We express our solidarity with the entire community affected by this crisis,” they said.
Ticket holders will be contacted to process refunds.
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