Coronavirus: The Old Vic suspends the presentation of Endgame for the next two weeks and more

A post regarding the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. What are the effects in relation to Daniel's current projects Endgame in London plus Guns Akimbo and Escape from Pretoria? Worldwide?

-- NL --

15 maart - De bioscopen zijn per direct gesloten op dit moment, tenminste tot 6 april.
19 maart - De première van Escape from Pretoria (19 maart) is hierdoor verplaatst naar 14 mei.
31 maart - De bioscopen zijn langer gesloten. In ieder geval tot en met 28 april.

-- UK --

15th March - Cinemas  are open but with reduced capacities.
17th March - Cinemas across the UK are shutting down. Until further notice.

Endgame:
15th March - The Old Vic Theatre just announced that they have had to decide to suspend the presentation of Endgame for the next two weeks, which is the remainder of its run.
31st March - More info on the online screenings of Endgame.


The full statement:
Whilst we have no reason to disagree with current scientific and government advice on coping with the Coronavirus, given the new travel and other restrictions in place it is nevertheless becoming increasingly impractical to sustain business as usual at our theatre.

We are very sympathetic to people’s personal circumstances, as we are to the audiences who are still excited to visit the theatre and see our productions. We are also extremely aware of our employees’ financial dependence on work being presented and tickets being purchased. So it is with great sadness that we have had to decide to suspend the presentation of Endgame in a double bill with Rough for Theatre II for the next two weeks, which is the remainder of its run.

The Old Vic operates in an unusual way for a non-commercial theatre in that it has no Arts Council support. Instead it is completely dependent on philanthropic donations, sponsorship and ticket sales. In light of this a full refund of all lost performances would be financially devastating for us, so we are asking all ticket holders for the cancelled performances to please consider donating the cost of the ticket rather than requesting a credit note or refund. For those who donate, we are able to offer a link to an exclusive video recording of the entire production of Endgame, captured earlier in the run, a private video message of appreciation from the cast, and a free Friends membership entitling you to Priority Booking valid for one year.

Gaining access to this film is an extraordinary opportunity that has been permitted by the writer’s estate, the acting company and Creative team in a rarely made decision allowing us to say a heartfelt thanks to you for helping sustain The Old Vic, one of the UK’s most loved and needed cultural and civic centres. The video recording was made for private archive purposes but all parties have agreed to let it be shared specifically with those who will no longer be able to attend.

We will continue to think of ways we can still connect with you all, our extended Old Vic family, and come back to you soon with more. It is unthinkable that the creativity and brilliance of our artists and those incredible people who uphold this 202-year-old institution every day will be diminished by this unprecedented situation. We will fight hard to keep it here, for you, for us all. Whilst we do that, take care of yourselves and each other, and keep in touch.

We appreciate your support and your understanding as we make decisions to support and protect each other as we navigate unchartered territory.  If you would like to make a general donation to help the theatre survive, we would be extraordinarily grateful (source).

-- US --

15th March - Cinemas are open but with reduced capacities.
17th March-  Nearly all cinemas nationwide are shutting down. Until further notice but AMC, the country’s largest theater chain, said it will close for six to 12 weeks.