Theatres and art galleries to reopen Sept 9 with strict SOPs, proof of vaccination

With the reopening on Sept 9, performing arts venues have to adhere to the strict guidelines set up by the Government, including a 30% live audience capacity and proof of full vaccination for audience, artistes and industry workers. Photo: KLPac

Theatre performances, musicals, music and comedy shows (pre-registered) will be allowed to resume operations from this Thursday (Sept 9) at 30% capacity of the premises comprising fully vaccinated individuals, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a statement today.

For the arts and culture sector, this news of reopening and allowing for a reduced live audience is a small step in the long road to recovery ahead. Performance arts venues and theatres have been shut since early May due to the Government's pandemic restrictions and various lockdowns nationwide.

"This decision is among the government's ongoing efforts to stimulate the economic viability of artistes and the creative industry," said the Prime Minister, adding that the artistes themselves, as well as industry workers, should also be fully vaccinated.

In other good news, art exhibition programmes and activities in exhibition halls, museums and art galleries (by appointment) are also allowed to resume at 30% capacity comprising those fully vaccinated.

The Prime Minister also said the relaxation of restrictions also involved the development and broadcasting of creative content through recordings or live broadcasts.

The loosening of restrictions was made based on the decision by the Covid-19 Pandemic Management Special Committee today, which also allowed live or recorded shows in the presence of a fully vaccinated audience filling only about 30% of the studio space. - Bernama