Although hope has taken many forms in the pandemic and socio-politically ravaged days of 2020, so too have some painful realities. For Knoxville theatre-goers and patrons of Clarence Brown Theatre, reality has unfortunately taken the upper hand on hope as the theatre company based at the University of Tennessee has announced that it will be impossible to return to live production until Spring 2021.
“The ongoing incompatibility of theatrical production with University policy and best public health practices in response to COVID-19 force us to this decision. The pandemic demands we take the health and safety of our audiences and artists into account,” said CBT Producing Artistic Director and Theater Department Head Calvin MacLean.
Although CBT continues an absence from physical productions on the stage in front of audiences, MacLean has indicated that the hiatus is providing the Theatre Department with opportunities to focus on education and on issues and policies surrounding racial inclusion in the artistic environment of theatre.
As for a return to the stage, MacLean remains hopeful.
“We hope a readily available vaccine and/or therapies will allow us to open our doors. But, there must be sufficient lead-time in order to prepare a successful production. In the meantime, work will be focused on the safe presentation of our work through video and Zoom readings.”
