Performing Arts Ponder Post-Pandemic Programs By Keith Martin
ou might remember the popular “Niagara Falls” vaudeville sketch wherein a character is relating a story and is sparked into violent outbursts when the listener inadvertently utters a trigger word. The response is still relevant today as our beloved performing arts organizations ponder their programming in a post-pandemic era and slowly return to local stages, step by step, inch by inch… Our local groups follow each of their Governor’s briefings very closely as North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia cautiously reopen, and as light begins to emerge at the end of the global pandemic tunnel. A key phrase in a recent news conference bears repeating: “When it comes to easing some restrictions, we’re depending on people to be responsible.” Responsibility is the key, but each company must follow guidelines issued by the federal government through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta and various state officials, plus accept guidance from their local county and city leadership. Appalachian Theatre Executive Director Laura Kratt said, “We are eager to get back to hosting shows but, of course, we want to do it safely. It is exciting to hear that government officials feel our state is ready to begin re-opening the theatres. Since we depend on ticket sales to cover the costs of events, our next step is to reach out to our audiences and see when they are ready to return to the theatre.” The bigger picture is this: pharmacology is outpacing psychology. While our groups are encouraged by the ever-growing percentage of the population receiving vaccines, they are very concerned about the degree to which the general public feels safe going back into enclosed venues. Most are in the process of surveying their patrons to ascertain their comfort level when resuming in-person arts events. Many companies are moving forward. Here are some of the events that have been announced from now through late June, listed alphabetically below by producing
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company, with many more to be announced shortly. PLEASE NOTE that all of the performances, dates, and times are subject to change; readers are strongly encouraged to check venues’ websites for the most current information. AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL is proceeding with plans to present a month-long hybrid festival in July 2021 that will be a combination of indoor and outdoor events, and livestreaming and virtual programming, featuring an exceptional lineup of artists in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and film. They will enforce safety precautions with every scenario— masks, socially distanced seating, cleaning, etc.—ensuring the health and safety of their patrons, artists and staff. By the time you are reading this issue of CML, they will have announced their entire slate, so go to their website for a complete roster of artists and events at www.appsummer.org or call 800-841-ARTS (2787). Over in Abingdon, Virginia, the BARTER THEATRE is continuing to produce live, socially-distanced productions at the Moonlite Drive-In theater, which they have lovingly converted into an outdoor performance venue. Two shows are opening, both of which will run through mid-May. The Tempest, by William Shakespeare, as adapted by Carrie Smith Lewis, continues the Barter tradition of producing works by the Bard in the spring of every year. In this fantasy, Prospero conjures a meeting with his enemy Antonio in a struggle between his desire for revenge and the power of forgiveness. “The State Theatre of Virginia” promises an evening of magic and mischief on a fantastical island where nothing is as it seems. Running concurrently at the Moonlite is Joseph Robinette’s version of the classic C. S. Lewis story, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Adventure and mystery await four siblings when they step through the wardrobe and into the magical land of Narnia, where the icy White Witch rules,
TWEETSIE RAILROAD
cultu ral Y calendar “Slowly They (Re)turn, Step by Step, Inch by Inch”
and her curse ensures that the land is always crusted with snow. As they travel, the children encounter dwarves, fauns, and the great lion king, Aslan. Together they seek to fulfill the ancient prophecy and release Narnia from the Witch’s enchantment and her spell of eternal winter. For more information, visit Barter’s website at BarterTheatre.com. THE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE at Appalachian State University closes their academic season with the world premiere of Kent State: Then, and Again by faculty member Dr. Ray Miller. The production is directed by the playwright and is based on his first-hand experiences and observations as a student at Kent State University in Ohio when he became a witness to history on May 4, 1970. On that fateful day, 28 Ohio National Guard soldiers opened fire on a peace rally, killing four students and wounding nine others. The incident marked the first time in American history that a student had been killed in an anti-war gathering. Miller has put his remembrances and reflections into a new play that chronicles the four days leading up to the deadly shooting that spring day half a century ago. The production will be held on a virtual platform at 7 p.m. from April 21 through 25. Tickets are free, but advance registration is required. For more information, visit their website at www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu. All registrants receive a private link to access the event both the day before and one hour prior to the performance. THE JONES HOUSE CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTER is planning their Doc Watson Day celebration as a virtual event. It will include a livestream
