While those across the theatrical realm have closed their doors amid the outbreak of Covid-19, Tom Morris has left his open just a crack. The current artistic director of the Bristol Old Vic, hopes that in spite of the pandemic, theatres will still be able to demonstrate their worth, perhaps now more than ever.
In an interview with The Times, Morris has an unusually optimistic slant for someone in his profession at present. He notes that: “The lockdown is a business catastrophe for us, as it is for every theatre, but it really does give us an opportunity to reset our ambitions of what we want not only the artistic, but the civic role of theatre to be.
“It’s important that we don’t get locked into a negative mindset. We have to show our value now by engaging with our public.”
Morris notes that the current furlough scheme has allowed them more time to consider their options. “Our plans after furlough are still dependent on whatever support the government decides to give us in the autumn,” he considers, “Without support and without income, we will face some very hard decisions.”
On the surface these are dire times indeed for the Bristol Old Vic, much like its peers. Almost 90 per cent of their staff have been furloughed, and there is no sign of a reopening date in sight, yet Morris sees this as much as a chance for reinvention as a cause for concern.
He concludes: “One way to look at this world where so much is online is it’s a brilliant way for people to dip in. Anyone in Bristol who thinks, ‘I’m not sure theatre is for me,’ can watch from the comfort of their own home and get a sense of what it’s like. And that, honestly, could be transformative.”
