Travel restrictions 'extremely' damaging to Catalan theaters

Catalan theaters say extending the travel restrictions for another two weeks, as announced by the government on Wednesday, will be "extremely" damaging for the sector.

The president of the Association of Theater Companies of Catalonia (ADETCA), Isabel Vidal, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that theatres rely a lot on audience members travelling from other municipalities, something that won't be allowed for the next fortnight at least.

The 50% limit on capacity will also be prolonged but, nevertheless, Vidal is thankful that theaters can remain open, as "it is the only way to provide work and to serve the public."

Vidal is also optimistic "some normality" will return soon, with fewer restrictions on travel and audience numbers.

Cancelations at the Liceu

Meanwhile, the Liceu opera house in Barcelona has rescheduled and canceled several operas and concerts, following the announcement to extend the current measures.

Wagner's opera Tannhäuser has been canceled, due to the size of chorus, orchestra and staging involved making social distancing "impossible".

The Liceu says "European transport constraints make it impossible" for the Royal Opera House to bring their production of Otello from London. It will therefore be Munich's Bayerische Staatsoper staging performance from March 27 to April 14.

A production of Jonathan Dove's The Monster in the Maze involving schoolchildren has been postponed form February until April.

The opera house has also moved all of its 8pm start times to 7pm.