In December, we already received information on the coronavirus from a Chinese colleague in our international group. Our production was interrupted and we transferred to remote work, contracts were continued and new dates were sought for the performances. The amount of work and costs increased. The support we received from the state will prevent the theatre from going under, although it does not cover all the costs.
Working from home and a lack of social life gave me time to complete my dissertation.
Home schooling began. Time spent with the family increased and household responsibilities were reassigned. An effort was made to avoid going to the shop and the use of public transport. We communicated with grandparents via video chats. I haven’t been really frightened, I haven’t thought that our lives would end. However, I have noticed anxiety and withdrawal, tensions in situations where people do not know exactly what to do. Also within the family: If someone goes out, you never know what they’ll bring home with them.
In the midst of changes and crises, communality suffers. People need each other. Creativity also suffers when we’re apart. Different people react differently, different societies have sought different solutions to the situation. Challenges are a good thing, but they should not be allowed to become problems. What will happen after the pandemic? Will we be more careful and for how long? In any case, we must believe that every crisis also brings something good.