The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that regular theatre-goers have been unable to travel to a theatre and, for a couple of hours at least, immerse themselves in a world of cultural splendour through their preferred art form. Many producers, both small and large, have been heavily impacted by this pandemic, having to cancel months of performances and facing uncertainty about when it will be medically and economically viable to begin putting on shows once again. Fortunately, some producers have responded to this shutdown in ways which embrace digital channels, allowing their cast and crew to remain active while also actively engaging with their communities.
Since early-May, state performing arts company Opera Queensland has been holding a daily video series titled ‘An Aria a Day’ via their Facebook Page or Youtube Channel. Recorded in the homes of Opera Queensland’s performers, members of the public are freely able to enjoy a two to five-minute aria or song each evening around 6.00 pm AEST. Whether you are already a lover of opera or are perhaps curious about what it is about – scroll through their dozens of already-posted clips, and tune in nightly for something new!
Opera Queensland is not the only company to do these daily performances. Other Queensland producers including Camerata: Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra are also running a similar program. Perhaps get your family together each evening for your 10 minute hit of performing arts.
It is fantastic to see so many producers, even during these difficult times, find ways of using digital platforms to engage with their communities during this time. I, for one, have used these to both maintain excitement about performing arts venues opening once again, and discover new genres and styles to watch in the future.
