The Market Theatre Foundation has ventured into online teaching and learning for students at the Market Theatre Laboratory and are contemplating including the Market Photo Workshop as well.
The down town Joburg-based Market Theatre announced that contact teaching and learning for Market Theatre Laboratory students was on hold in an effort to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus, which has affected more than 100 people in the country.
Market Theatre Foundation CEO Ismail Mahomed said they did not want to risk having their students exposed to any health risks as some of these students use public transport.
“The challenges of exposing our students to health risks under the current circumstances in crowded public spaces including taxi ranks and taxis is worrisome. Under the circumstances non-contact classes are in the best interests of our students. Our students will be assisted with downloading data for their lessons,” said Mahomed.
He said they were still working on a similar strategy for Market Photo Workshop students, who have had their exhibitions cancelled.
“We are firm believers in the theatre adage that the show must go on and the extraordinary circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic forces us to re-imagine ways we can continue to engage our audiences while our theatres remain closed in the interest for the safety of our artists, audiences, employees and various stakeholders.
“This is the moment to think of how we can take theatre into the digital space,” he said.
