Encore Theatre Company's scheduled season of Mamma Mia will be postponed due to the coronavirus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Friday the Prime Minister announced all public mass gatherings of over 500 people should cease, and Encore initially said it would seat 499 audience members per show - but on Sunday it announced the season would be rescheduled with dates depending on the pandemic crisis abating.
Director Danny Gibson said the decision was made to protect the health of the public, and the "family" of cast and crew.
"It was a difficult decision, but one that's definitely in the best interest of all involved," he said.
The 42 volunteer cast and crew members have been rehearsing Mamma Mia for six months, and all involved will have the opportunity to resume their roles in the re-staging if their "life schedules allow".
MORE:
- COVID-19: Updates for Northern Tasmania
- Think you have coronavirus? Here's what steps to take in Tasmania
- Elective surgeries could be delayed because of coronavirus
- Doctor wants more tests as COVID-19 causes backlogs
- Cruise ships banned until July
- ANZAC Day services could be cancelled
- EDITORIAL: We're an island, let's use it to our advantage
- I don't need to be tested for coronavirus: Premier Peter Gutwein
- No school closures but 'we are preparing for all eventualities'
- Jury trials to go ahead in Tasmania despite COVID-19 concern
- Coronavirus: Ogilvie calls for Tasmania to test all arrivals
- 'We will work with groups who have cancelled events': Premier
"They are fully behind our decision to postpone the production, and they are looking forward to having the opportunity to share the show with their friends and family and supporters - many of whom were travelling from interstate and some even from overseas," Mr Gibson said.
Mr Gibson said Encore was had strong risk management procedures that would get them through the postponement financially.
Thousands of people who have bought tickets will have the option to claim a refund, transfer their ticket to the rescheduled performance, or donate the ticket price as a "contribution to the ongoing viability of the company".
Mr Gibson said arts organisations and artists around the state whose livelihoods rely on public performances had been hit hard by the social distancing measures recommended to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
"We are a not-for-profit and we have been supported very well by the theatre-going community over the years, and we understand that for those who are professionals in the arts this is even more tough - and our hearts and love and support go out to everyone in the arts and culture sector," he said.
"We are resilient, we know Northern Tasmanians are resilient."
Lead performer Charlotte Page said the postponement was "devastating" with tears shed among cast and crew, "but we completely understand that it's in the best interests of the company and all of us in the community".
"Life throws lots of things at you but the goal is for all 42 of us to be back together when the time comes - and we can't wait," she said.