As North Texas theater companies brace for more COVID complications, ‘The Cube’ dares to bring back live audiences
Plus, learn how local theater groups are adjusting their 2021 seasons and where to attend live, outdoor performances this spring.
A curtained-off square serves as projection screen and audience pod in The Cube at the Latino Cultural Center.(Ben Torres / Special Contributor)
The title character in
The Cube, a daring new piece of meta-theater inside the Latino Cultural Center, wonders why human beings need to examine their existence and long for connection to other people, unlike other members of the animal kingdom.
“Did you come to be entertained? Were you expecting music and dance?” the disembodied voice asks. “I hope I have not disappointed.”
After months without much practice, Joe Hoselton was worried he wouldn’t get his mug on right.
Backstage at the Winspear Opera House, Hoselton was transforming into his stage persona, Jenna Skyy, for only his second live performance since the pandemic began.
Jenna’s makeup the contoured cheekbones, the arched eyebrows, the mauve lipstick are key to bringing her character to life on stage. After so long away from the spotlight, would that face be the same?
“I suddenly doubt myself,” Hoselton said, carefully applying more makeup. “Suddenly it’s like you’ve never ridden a bike before.”
Jenna Skyy got ready backstage at Dallas Winspear Opera House before the Rose Room on the Road show on Dec. 5, 2020. (Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer)
Dallas arts leaders applaud $15 billion boost included in virus relief deal
President Donald Trump threw a wrench into the works Tuesday night, however, demanding changes to the legislation that contains the support.
In September, arts venues across Dallas and the country, including the Winspear Opera House, were lit red as part of a nationwide effort to draw attention to an industry in crisis.(Ben Torres / Special Contributor)
It began as the Save Our Stages Act and then became Grants for Shuttered Venue Operators, but regardless of semantics, the $15 billion for the arts included in the $900 billion relief bill passed overwhelmingly by Congress unleashed a shower of praise this week, from music venue owners, theater producers and cultural institutions across the country, including those in Dallas.
Virtual reality
Queer-centric arts groups fight to survive the pandemic but still live for the applause
Rich Lopez | Contributing Writer
It the end of this 2020 tunnel, there is the light of hope with the news of a coronavirus vaccine on the horizon. The idea of returning to normal or perhaps adjusting to an entirely new normal is within grasp. But still, the collateral damage has already been felt beyond individuals and hospitals. Bars, restaurants, small businesses, charities have all felt the heavy blow of the pandemic.
Area arts organizations have suffered greatly as well, to the tune of almost $70 million dollars in lost revenue.