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Will Socially Distanced Rehearsals Leave Space for Good Theater? Will Socially Distanced Rehearsals Leave Space for Good Theater?
(about 11 hours later)
As much of Europe has started emerging from lockdown this week, countries are working out how they can live with the coronavirus. In Germany, you can now get a haircut; in Austria, you can play tennis (but only singles).As much of Europe has started emerging from lockdown this week, countries are working out how they can live with the coronavirus. In Germany, you can now get a haircut; in Austria, you can play tennis (but only singles).
Both countries also have plans to restart theaters — or at least get actors and directors back to work.Both countries also have plans to restart theaters — or at least get actors and directors back to work.
Performances in front of an audience are still out of the question for now. But on May 18, Austria will become one of the first countries on the continent where theater troupes can return to rehearsal, with detailed restrictions to limit the virus’s transmission. Actors must stay at least three feet apart, government guidelines say, and performers can come closer only if they wear face coverings or masks. In Germany, an insurance body has outlined similar rules.Performances in front of an audience are still out of the question for now. But on May 18, Austria will become one of the first countries on the continent where theater troupes can return to rehearsal, with detailed restrictions to limit the virus’s transmission. Actors must stay at least three feet apart, government guidelines say, and performers can come closer only if they wear face coverings or masks. In Germany, an insurance body has outlined similar rules.
In interviews, leading theatermakers in both countries said rehearsals would be impossible under such conditions. Several said they simply would not return to work unless actors could rehearse just as they did before the pandemic.In interviews, leading theatermakers in both countries said rehearsals would be impossible under such conditions. Several said they simply would not return to work unless actors could rehearse just as they did before the pandemic.
Austria’s safety requirements are “so unrealistic you’d think the people who wrote them had never been inside a theater,” Herbert Föttinger, the artistic director of the Theater in der Josefstadt in Vienna, said in an email exchange.Austria’s safety requirements are “so unrealistic you’d think the people who wrote them had never been inside a theater,” Herbert Föttinger, the artistic director of the Theater in der Josefstadt in Vienna, said in an email exchange.
The rules weren’t necessarily developed with theaters in mind: They also apply to other workplaces like offices and stores. One of the most troublesome restrictions for actors, announced by the government on April 17, is a rule that a room could hold only one person per 20 square meters of floor space, about 215 square feet.The rules weren’t necessarily developed with theaters in mind: They also apply to other workplaces like offices and stores. One of the most troublesome restrictions for actors, announced by the government on April 17, is a rule that a room could hold only one person per 20 square meters of floor space, about 215 square feet.
The idea of working under such conditions was “completely cuckoo,” Martin Kusej, the artistic director of the prestigious Burgtheater playhouse in Vienna, told the country’s news agency shortly after the rules were announced. Since then, the government has cut the floor space requirement in half.The idea of working under such conditions was “completely cuckoo,” Martin Kusej, the artistic director of the prestigious Burgtheater playhouse in Vienna, told the country’s news agency shortly after the rules were announced. Since then, the government has cut the floor space requirement in half.
Heike Warmuth, a spokeswoman for the Austrian Culture Ministry, said in an email that the rehearsal rules were being reviewed and that officials had met with theater administrators to discuss them. But she added that the government had to be guided by medical advice.Heike Warmuth, a spokeswoman for the Austrian Culture Ministry, said in an email that the rehearsal rules were being reviewed and that officials had met with theater administrators to discuss them. But she added that the government had to be guided by medical advice.
The ministry hoped to allow rehearsals “on a larger scale” by the beginning of June, she added, “if the number of infections remains low.”The ministry hoped to allow rehearsals “on a larger scale” by the beginning of June, she added, “if the number of infections remains low.”
Not one of the regional governments in neighboring Germany has said rehearsals can restart, though guidelines issued by the V.B.G., a state-established trade body for insurers, suggest restrictions could be even tougher there. Actors would have to wear masks covering their nose and mouth, the rules say, and stay 1.5 meters apart, about five feet. If the actors were singing or “speaking excessively,” that distance would rise to at least six meters, about 20 feet.Not one of the regional governments in neighboring Germany has said rehearsals can restart, though guidelines issued by the V.B.G., a state-established trade body for insurers, suggest restrictions could be even tougher there. Actors would have to wear masks covering their nose and mouth, the rules say, and stay 1.5 meters apart, about five feet. If the actors were singing or “speaking excessively,” that distance would rise to at least six meters, about 20 feet.
For productions involving musicians, extra conditions would apply: Wind and brass players must have at least 12 meters, or 40 feet, clear in front of them and three meters on either side; if rehearsing a ballet or dance, the studio floor should be mopped hourly, the guidelines say.For productions involving musicians, extra conditions would apply: Wind and brass players must have at least 12 meters, or 40 feet, clear in front of them and three meters on either side; if rehearsing a ballet or dance, the studio floor should be mopped hourly, the guidelines say.
These regulations would have to be followed to avoid potential legal problems, Marc Grandmontagne, the managing director of the German Stage Association, said in a telephone interview. He said his organization was in discussions with the V.B.G. to get clarity on some rules: He had asked what “speaking excessively” meant, for instance.These regulations would have to be followed to avoid potential legal problems, Marc Grandmontagne, the managing director of the German Stage Association, said in a telephone interview. He said his organization was in discussions with the V.B.G. to get clarity on some rules: He had asked what “speaking excessively” meant, for instance.
Föttinger has been the theater scene’s most vocal objector to the Austrian restrictions. “Theater is created in the moment, and that moment must be free, or else it’s not theater,” he said in an email, adding: “Politicians can’t regulate artistic processes.”Föttinger has been the theater scene’s most vocal objector to the Austrian restrictions. “Theater is created in the moment, and that moment must be free, or else it’s not theater,” he said in an email, adding: “Politicians can’t regulate artistic processes.”
His objections are not just artistic. Theaters are being asked to start rehearsals without knowing when they can hold performances, or under what conditions, Föttinger said. “We are rehearsing for a specific moment: the premiere,” he said. If it’s not clear when that will be, he added, “you have to ask yourself what’s the point of the whole undertaking.”His objections are not just artistic. Theaters are being asked to start rehearsals without knowing when they can hold performances, or under what conditions, Föttinger said. “We are rehearsing for a specific moment: the premiere,” he said. If it’s not clear when that will be, he added, “you have to ask yourself what’s the point of the whole undertaking.”
Most artistic directors at Germany’s major theaters thought the insurer’s guidelines were “going too far,” Thomas Ostermeier, the artistic director of the Schaubühne Berlin playhouse, said in a telephone interview. He said that he took part in a telephone conference in late April with 20 other artistic directors from around the country, and that most had expressed annoyance at the restrictions.Most artistic directors at Germany’s major theaters thought the insurer’s guidelines were “going too far,” Thomas Ostermeier, the artistic director of the Schaubühne Berlin playhouse, said in a telephone interview. He said that he took part in a telephone conference in late April with 20 other artistic directors from around the country, and that most had expressed annoyance at the restrictions.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Some even said they would not respect them, he added, “as it’s just insurance.”Some even said they would not respect them, he added, “as it’s just insurance.”
Joachim Lux, the artistic director of the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, Germany, said in an email that the rules “hit theater at its very core,” but were understandable. He said he hoped to return to rehearsals in mid-May if the theater’s staff agreed, adding that he would follow the rules.Joachim Lux, the artistic director of the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, Germany, said in an email that the rules “hit theater at its very core,” but were understandable. He said he hoped to return to rehearsals in mid-May if the theater’s staff agreed, adding that he would follow the rules.
Rather than rehearsing with masks or wide distances between performers, Föttinger said, “the only option that currently makes sense” was testing the actors before, so they could carry on as usual. But he acknowledged that many theaters would not be able to afford that.Rather than rehearsing with masks or wide distances between performers, Föttinger said, “the only option that currently makes sense” was testing the actors before, so they could carry on as usual. But he acknowledged that many theaters would not be able to afford that.
Ostermeier said the whole company would need to be tested at least twice a week before he would be happy to return to work. He would prefer not to rehearse at all until there was a vaccine, he added, but he felt politicians in Germany were pressuring theaters to reopen in the fall, to give the public hope.Ostermeier said the whole company would need to be tested at least twice a week before he would be happy to return to work. He would prefer not to rehearse at all until there was a vaccine, he added, but he felt politicians in Germany were pressuring theaters to reopen in the fall, to give the public hope.
Not all of Europe’s star theatermakers were pushing back on restrictions that could change how they work, however. Milo Rau, the Swiss “enfant terrible” who is the artistic director of the NTGent theater in Belgium, said in a telephone interview that he planned to start rehearsals on May 18 for a one-woman show that is still scheduled to have its premiere at the Salzburg Festival in August. (The festival has said it will announce whether the event can take place by May 30.)Not all of Europe’s star theatermakers were pushing back on restrictions that could change how they work, however. Milo Rau, the Swiss “enfant terrible” who is the artistic director of the NTGent theater in Belgium, said in a telephone interview that he planned to start rehearsals on May 18 for a one-woman show that is still scheduled to have its premiere at the Salzburg Festival in August. (The festival has said it will announce whether the event can take place by May 30.)
Those rehearsals would involve only him, the actress Ursina Lardi and a dramaturge, he said. “Of course, I had plans to have a huge set design and stuff, but I’m reducing that now,” he said. “That’s not possible, so I don’t do it.”Those rehearsals would involve only him, the actress Ursina Lardi and a dramaturge, he said. “Of course, I had plans to have a huge set design and stuff, but I’m reducing that now,” he said. “That’s not possible, so I don’t do it.”
Rau has long called for theaters to move away from staging huge productions in grand 19th-century buildings and instead perform in settings ranging from city streets to war zones. He said that theaters should use this moment to experiment, rather than simply demanding to act as before. In the 1980s, directors in Belgium reacted to funding cuts by staging minimalist works in unusual locations, Rau added: “They made corona theater then. They didn’t wait for the moment they could have a big revolving stage and 500 actors in fat suits.”Rau has long called for theaters to move away from staging huge productions in grand 19th-century buildings and instead perform in settings ranging from city streets to war zones. He said that theaters should use this moment to experiment, rather than simply demanding to act as before. In the 1980s, directors in Belgium reacted to funding cuts by staging minimalist works in unusual locations, Rau added: “They made corona theater then. They didn’t wait for the moment they could have a big revolving stage and 500 actors in fat suits.”
But these stripped-down solutions were not favored by some of his colleagues. Föttinger said he did not want to be in a situation where monologues were the only stage performances allowed. “If we don’t find a way to enable rehearsals in an artistically meaningful way, theater will have to be declared dead for the long term,” Föttinger said. “Probably until a vaccine is found.”But these stripped-down solutions were not favored by some of his colleagues. Föttinger said he did not want to be in a situation where monologues were the only stage performances allowed. “If we don’t find a way to enable rehearsals in an artistically meaningful way, theater will have to be declared dead for the long term,” Föttinger said. “Probably until a vaccine is found.”