EUROPEAN CULTURE IN LOCKDOWN - AS SEEN FROM A SOFA… J. SPENCE Highlights of European Theatre The closure of theatres as a result of the coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on the arts sector, and has made many of us realise just how much we cherish the opportunity to experience live performance, surrounded by others who are equally captivated by the action on stage. Theatre has always been very much a collective experience, and as lockdowns were imposed across Europe earlier this year, and it became clear that it would be impossible to experience theatre together for quite some time, venues worked tirelessly to continue broadcasting
quality drama, dance and music to the masses. Although something of the charm of live theatre is undoubtedly lost in it being filmed, the release of these performances captured on video has certainly helped to bring the joy of theatre to theatre-addicts and also to newcomers. I for one could never have guessed that I would be able to dart from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, to the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, to the Opéra Bastille, Paris, all in the space of a weekend under lockdown! Theatre should be accessible to all, and the effort of theatres across Europe and beyond, to 41
