David Bown column: Enjoying experimental theatre at its best during lockdown

However, as we know 2020/21 has been very different.

The global pandemic meant theatres across Europe were closed, so they curated their first online Be at HOME FESTIVAL.

Many arts organisations have pivoted to online content over the past twelve months. However, this has turned out to be a genuine opportunity to experience live, immersive and experiential performances that have blurred the boundaries between isolation and engagement.

Presenting a real synthesis of narrative with the painful reality we all find ourselves living in during lockdown.

First up we had Recall, by Spanish multi-disciplinary artist, architect and scenographer Francesc Serra.

This was a thought provoking 1-2-1 experience reflecting on the mechanics of the brain and how memories are stored. Following this was Shan Shui by Edume Rubio and Maria Jerez, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

It was a perfect way to start a wet February Sunday morning.

I found it a gentle and uplifting piece, as it captured brilliantly the immediate passing of time from the simple stirring of a cup of tea to our days turning into nights and then the passing of the seasons.

It struck a beautifully simple but resonant chord, as we all come to terms with the somewhat incomprehensible notion that we have all been stuck in this unpleasant aspic for a whole year now.

Thank you to Porl Cooper for his tireless determination to bring fascinating international performances, even under these difficult circumstances.

Of course, this week has provided some light at the end of the tunnel with Boris Johnson’s Monday briefing.

The vaccine programme has been a welcome antidote to everything.

What a relief it is when parents get the call to have the jab, as well as our vulnerable friends, family and colleagues.

However, it looks like theatres and other venues of live performance will have to wait until they can fully test the water.

We are in reality not a great deal further on from this time last year.

While ever there is social distance and nervousness about confined spaces (and transmissions), many business models simply do not work.

It will be towards the end of the year before the majority of people have been administered a second jab, and it therefore could be over optimistic to expect normality in the theatre world before this occurs.

We will continue to explore new ways of sharing our programme of working – through sourcing engaging online content, and in partnership with the borough council, venues within the community that allow us to deliver exciting in-person events, whilst accommodating social distancing.

These are still uncertain times, but together we will thrive again.