Distancing in Live Performance: The new normal of Thai arts during a pandemic

Abstract

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, social distancing has become the ''new normal'' for every aspect of human life. This obligation widens the gap in all social interactions, not only in physical contact but also in socio-cultural and economic views. Large public events and smaller gatherings have been controlled and sadly postponed or cancelled. At times, travelling across the country has been barred or restricted. The airborne virus has triggered an economic crisis in various sectors, including the performing arts. Because live performance has ceased, the entire arts industry has lost the income generated by ticket sales.

This paper aims to highlight how the concept of ''distancing'' affects the Thai performing arts industry in binary perspectives. Taking a positive viewpoint, this concept is inspiring artists to create performance in various ''new normal'' forms. For instance, in musical performance, we have seen and heard the Hybrid Concert, the Hotel Fest and the Tuk-tuk Fest. In live performance, Co-with-Us, a collaborative project among Silpathon artists across the nation, converted the physical stage into a live-streaming platform by presenting an interpretation of Covid19 in musical-dance-drama forms. As well, online channels such as Facebook live and Instagram have been used to re-promote artworks, to communicate and to remind artists' supporters not to forget them during this distancing period.

In contrast to the positives, distancing also disrupts the performing arts ecosystem. Handicapping performance, minimising scale, altering schedules or even temporarily closing live shows generated serious setbacks. By elaborating the crucial points for and against, significant case studies from the theatre and live productions will be reflected and discussed.