Covid, Crisis and Prognosis: Prospecting the Future of Theatre

Abstract:In this article I discuss the current Covid-19 crisis in relation to an intensified reflection about the future of theatre. The argument proceeds via a review of crisis theory to a discussion of recent research into futurity, especially the idea of prospection. Specifically, I shall examine the interrelationship between crisis and prognosis as it pertains to theatre and the performing arts. Material is drawn from a database currently being assembled within the framework of the research project "Krisengefüge der Künste" which is collating public discourse on how the pandemic is affecting the performing arts. A comparison is made between discourses in the UK and Germany which leads to some final reflections on how such discussions may impact on the institutional legitimacy of publicly funded theatre.