Ulani Seaman discusses the importance of live theatre
As the theatre industry took its final bow on the 16th March, coronavirus had already performed its first month of shows. The deadly virus had its status upgraded from epidemic to pandemic and with that, performers across the UK switched off the lights on their dressing room mirrors and exited via the stage door, unknowingly for the final time. An industry full of optimists had been hit with the heartbreak of losing their livelihood.
The third of January 2020 was the last time I experienced the magic of performance. As I walked up to the doors of the Noel Coward theatre, I took two paper tickets out of my bag. B13 and 14 Upper Circle, I read, although secretly I’d already checked 5 times prior to that, and Googled the seating arrangement, I was that excited. We handed them over to the doorman who made a small rip in the top and gave them straight back to me. ‘Enjoy the show’ he smiled. As I made my way through the auditorium I thought about how that term is out of place outside of theatre. It fills every audience member and performer with unmatched excitement. In the language of performing arts, I think it may translate to welcome home. And I felt at home throughout the entirety of that beautiful show.
The show was Dear Evan Hansen. Ironically, its song ‘Waving through a Window’ perfectly describes the only form of human interaction we were allowed throughout lockdown. But as a performer It’s not easy to wave through a window when you thrive off of recreating real human narrative. If you try telling me that the theatre industry hasn’t been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, I’d politely ask you to take a long hard look at social media. The devastating impact on the industry has been so severe that brands such as Marie Clare launched hashtag ‘savethearts’ campaign.
And over the summer, many performers took to Twitter in despair.
The last minute £1.57bn emergency support package for the arts simply won’t save every job, and Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said the money will be used only to preserve the ‘crown jewels’ of performance. I long for the day we can once again experience the euphoria of live theatre. The excited chatter as strangers crowd to find their seat in the auditorium which quickly fades to silence as lights dim and curtains rise.
Until next time, let’s petition, beg and fight to save our arts.
