Lyric Theater released a statement today stating that there will be no performances on the rest of the theater until 2020, including popular Christmas shows.
In the past, the theater has presented countless unique Christmas shows that have delighted local audiences, including Travel Home on Christmas and Christmas Eve It Can Kill You.
However, Lyric executive producer Jimmy Fay said the theater had “reluctantly” come to the conclusion that these shows will not take place this year due to the Covid-19 crisis.
In the same letter, Fay said the decision would affect hiring because Lyric is “the largest single employer of arts workers in NI.”
The Northern Ireland executive called for it to work with the arts community and the Arts Council to ensure an “emergency grant” of $33.33 million to industry for those in need.
The full statement from Jamie Fay, Lyric Theater Executive Producer, says: “We are entering the seventh month of the Covid19 epidemic.
“It affected every aspect of our lives, from work to home. At first we thought this pandemic would last a few weeks, then a few months.
“We have properly planned, organized and scheduled and have been able to maintain our permanent staff with an entertaining programme.
“The lyrics have found new and exciting ways to create jobs for our free and needy artistic community through our online films, co-production with the BBC and the current season of audio versions. Listen to the lyrics . I hope we continue to create these opportunities.
“However, none of these initiatives can compensate for the 2.2 million loss in revenue that Lyric earns each year from operating on our stages and in our café.
“At every stage of this pandemic, we have worked to reopen theater in a safe and COVID-compliant manner to our wonderful audiences and illustrious performers. But every carefully considered plan has collapsed like dominoes in the cry of a bad wind from this pandemic.”
“Times are really tough for everyone, and such choppy planning is no longer feasible or financially reasonable.
“Texts have reluctantly come to the conclusion that this year, for the first time in our history, we will not be offering unique and hugely popular Christmas gifts. Therefore, we will not be mass-producing until 2021.
“It affects our employees, both permanent and casual workers, our audience, and as NI’s largest employer of artists, the hundreds of freelance artists we typically employ.”
The theater was reluctant to come to this conclusion. We would have liked to have been more clear about the level of financial support for theaters and production companies. This clarity or program does not currently exist. We hope it will be resolved quickly. This company is seeing a significant drop in employment opportunities.
Therefore, we need urgent attention to what the arts and culture sector needs with a $33.33 million grant. We ask our politicians to work with the Arts Society and our Arts Council on this package.
“By closing our doors, we are doing our part to beat the spread of this terrible virus in our community and in our community. The opening of the new opera house in 2011 was widely seen as a symbol of a renewed economic recovery. Prospero and Creative Belfast Several NI partners participate This vision is for a clearer vision for 2021.
“Take care of everyone.
Jimmy Fay.
Source: Belfastlive
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