LONDON, Ont. — Live theatre at southern Ontario's Grand Theatre will not return until fall 2021.
The London, Ont., venue says uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic has continually pushed timelines for a safe return, making it difficult to plan large, costly productions.
Artistic director Dennis Garnhum notes current predictions peg a possible return for January 2021, but he believes that, too, will be pushed into the future. He did not provide a specific date for the planned return.
The announcement spikes programming on the Grand's two stages, including its popular Jeans 'n Classics concert series and events involving community partners who also use the venue.
During the postponement, Garnhum says the theatre will examine ways to address systemic racism at the Grand — from the makeup of senior leadership to programming, and how it connects to audiences. He says they are committed to change.
Subscribers can receive credits and full refunds but the not-for-profit requests the value of tickets be donated to the theatre.
Garnhum said Wednesday in a release that the decision to put off a return was not easy.
"Planning large productions such as ours against unknown timing is very difficult and financially too risky. For all of these reasons, we would rather be safe than sorry," said Garnhum.
"It is heartbreaking to make the calls to the artists and designers that were contracted for the coming season and just as difficult to tell our staff who are passionate about their work at the Grand."
Executive director Deb Harvey added that the postponement will also be an economic blow to the local economy, affecting businesses ranging from hotel and dining partners to retail and building supply companies.
The theatre had already delayed its season to October. It normally runs from September to May.
Harvey said the theatre also plans to complete its planned lobby renovations during this time. The work is expected to take six months.
Garnhum said the postponement, dubbed "A Grand Intermission," will also be used to listen, learn and "more importantly to take action" on the systemic racism that exists within Canadian theatre.
"Hearing the voices and consulting with (Black, Indigenous, people of colour) communities both within and outside of the arts and culture construct, we will be examining the theatre through a different lens and making changes to all aspects of what we do at the Grand — from what we program on our stages, how we engage with BIPOC audiences, board and senior leadership recruitment and more," said Garnhum.
"We know that statements of support mean nothing without action and it is action to which we are committed."
Garnhum said a working group is also developing alternate programming to keep audiences entertained in the meantime.
"I can tell you whatever we do will be innovative, inclusive, thought-provoking, and joyful."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2020.
The Canadian Press