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Wednesday, September 08, 2021
Disabled and clinically vulnerable shut out from return of live music and theatre
Music | The Guardian: Performers and audiences who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) are being shut out of the arts due to a lack of ongoing safety provisions, according to a number of people within the sector who cite a “two-tier” cultural reopening.
5 comments:
Kaylie C.
said...
When I first clicked on this article, I felt sympathetic, but honestly wasn’t sure what could be done for these artists. In the U.S. theaters are at the very least requiring proof of vaccination in most cases that I have seen. Many others are also requiring masks for indoor performances. As soon as I began reading this article, however, I realized that it was about our neighbors across the pond in the U.K. All covid restrictions have been lifted there, leaving populations that are especially vulnerable struggling with how to protect themselves. I am not sure if this has played out in a similar way in the U.K. as it did in America, but considering so many artists are unable to find ways to participate in theater again in a way that make them feels safe, I assume theaters in the U.K. did not take it upon themselves to require masks after government mandates were lifted the way many did in the U.S.
This article is very interesting, as it I am not sure what it's intentions are. It is discussing how immunocompromised people cannot return to theatre as of right now, because covid-19 is still posing a threat. Is it suggesting that theatres should remain closed so immunocompromised people can be integrated back into productions at the same pace as everyone else? Is it critiquing the reopening of theatres in general by pointing out the pandemic is still occurring? It is simply there to gain sympathy for immunocompromised people and explain what is going on? I think this is accredited to how much of a grey area this situation is, something I noticed while reading the article. I think theatres should reopen soon, as the theatre industry has already taken a hit financially, however, how soon is too soon? How long is too long? I think production companies need to figure out what they prioritize, the health of their cast and crew or the money.
I love that the issues for performer safety and income are being discussed. This is a discussion that needs to be had regardless of the Covid world we live in. People who are working to survive while dealing with disabilities of any kind are often overlooked and ignored. It feels so often that companies are only willing to address concerns when they are forced to. ADA compliance for making spaces safe and navigable, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for hiring practices, and may more were created because people were an afterthought.
We are so ingrained in the capitalist system that anyone who requires extra resources is not a priority. Anywho who cannot contribute at the same level to their peers is not considered. If you are not what the affluent members of society want to see, then you are invisible. Covid is finally something that is affecting everyone regardless of lifestyle. It erased many illusions of our society and laid bare our shortcomings. Every human has worth. Every person should have the right to be safe and pursue a life that is worth living.
Artists do not always make physical things that can be bought and sold but their work is no less valuable.
Being able bodied is a privilege, and having fairly low health concerns that impede my life is something I take for granted every day. For the people who are forgotten about and don't feel welcome or safe enjoying live entertainment is probably rough. It can be hard to see people enjoying things when you can't. This isn't just for the audience either it's for workers too, they have to take care of themselves first, and it just makes it that much harder to be a part of the industry. Like, that's another barrier they have to cross. Their concerns are valid, they want to do their part and I think its important to be open and transparent with the public about health and safety protocols for everyone everywhere. I appreciate the venues who have taken the time and care to put forth any kind of statement or rules that they're following just so people know. We should all just be a little more empathetic towards people who can't show their pain and provide what they need.
For theater to really be inclusive it needs to be accessible for all audience members and performers. Although the author doesn’t make it clear what they think the best outcome should be, they do give several suggestions. The answer can be as simple as having some of the audience in a more secluded spot in the theater or having a few performances with a much more socially distanced audience and every member has to have a vaccination record or a negative covid test in the past 72 hours. Of course, we want to open up theaters again, providing performers employment again and feel a sense of normalcy, but how can we claim we're doing that when that's not true for everyone. I understand this article is also focused on the UK but that doesn't mean it doesn't apply to theaters and entertainment centers everywhere. Every artist is struggling to find the balance for them that is safe for their health and also is financially supporting. I don't think that anyone should have to compromise one for the other. I understand the rush to open theaters back up, but at what cost?
5 comments:
When I first clicked on this article, I felt sympathetic, but honestly wasn’t sure what could be done for these artists. In the U.S. theaters are at the very least requiring proof of vaccination in most cases that I have seen. Many others are also requiring masks for indoor performances. As soon as I began reading this article, however, I realized that it was about our neighbors across the pond in the U.K. All covid restrictions have been lifted there, leaving populations that are especially vulnerable struggling with how to protect themselves. I am not sure if this has played out in a similar way in the U.K. as it did in America, but considering so many artists are unable to find ways to participate in theater again in a way that make them feels safe, I assume theaters in the U.K. did not take it upon themselves to require masks after government mandates were lifted the way many did in the U.S.
This article is very interesting, as it I am not sure what it's intentions are. It is discussing how immunocompromised people cannot return to theatre as of right now, because covid-19 is still posing a threat. Is it suggesting that theatres should remain closed so immunocompromised people can be integrated back into productions at the same pace as everyone else? Is it critiquing the reopening of theatres in general by pointing out the pandemic is still occurring? It is simply there to gain sympathy for immunocompromised people and explain what is going on? I think this is accredited to how much of a grey area this situation is, something I noticed while reading the article. I think theatres should reopen soon, as the theatre industry has already taken a hit financially, however, how soon is too soon? How long is too long? I think production companies need to figure out what they prioritize, the health of their cast and crew or the money.
I love that the issues for performer safety and income are being discussed. This is a discussion that needs to be had regardless of the Covid world we live in. People who are working to survive while dealing with disabilities of any kind are often overlooked and ignored. It feels so often that companies are only willing to address concerns when they are forced to. ADA compliance for making spaces safe and navigable, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for hiring practices, and may more were created because people were an afterthought.
We are so ingrained in the capitalist system that anyone who requires extra resources is not a priority. Anywho who cannot contribute at the same level to their peers is not considered. If you are not what the affluent members of society want to see, then you are invisible. Covid is finally something that is affecting everyone regardless of lifestyle. It erased many illusions of our society and laid bare our shortcomings. Every human has worth. Every person should have the right to be safe and pursue a life that is worth living.
Artists do not always make physical things that can be bought and sold but their work is no less valuable.
Being able bodied is a privilege, and having fairly low health concerns that impede my life is something I take for granted every day. For the people who are forgotten about and don't feel welcome or safe enjoying live entertainment is probably rough. It can be hard to see people enjoying things when you can't. This isn't just for the audience either it's for workers too, they have to take care of themselves first, and it just makes it that much harder to be a part of the industry. Like, that's another barrier they have to cross. Their concerns are valid, they want to do their part and I think its important to be open and transparent with the public about health and safety protocols for everyone everywhere. I appreciate the venues who have taken the time and care to put forth any kind of statement or rules that they're following just so people know. We should all just be a little more empathetic towards people who can't show their pain and provide what they need.
For theater to really be inclusive it needs to be accessible for all audience members and performers. Although the author doesn’t make it clear what they think the best outcome should be, they do give several suggestions. The answer can be as simple as having some of the audience in a more secluded spot in the theater or having a few performances with a much more socially distanced audience and every member has to have a vaccination record or a negative covid test in the past 72 hours. Of course, we want to open up theaters again, providing performers employment again and feel a sense of normalcy, but how can we claim we're doing that when that's not true for everyone. I understand this article is also focused on the UK but that doesn't mean it doesn't apply to theaters and entertainment centers everywhere. Every artist is struggling to find the balance for them that is safe for their health and also is financially supporting. I don't think that anyone should have to compromise one for the other. I understand the rush to open theaters back up, but at what cost?
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