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MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: The pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to those who make their living in the arts. Cultural venues like theaters and concert halls have had to close their doors. In the U.S., some artists have had to stop creating altogether, make their livings doing something else. But in France, where access to culture is considered essential, dancers, musicians, even technicians who help put on the show have been getting government support. NPR s Eleanor Beardsley reports.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
by Eleanor Beardsley and Katie Kheriji-WattsJan, 11 2021 (All Things Considered)
A photo shows seats with stickers to respect social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the Theatre de l Archeveche in Aix-en-Provence, southern France, on July 23, 2020. Image: Clement Mahoudeau/AFP via Getty Images
Inside a small, sunlit rehearsal space in the east of Paris, a brass quintet practices an original composition for an upcoming musical theater performance called Death Breath Orchestra. But the musical s opening has been pushed back yet again due to an upsurge in the virus. France, like its European neighbors, has been hit hard by a second wave of COVID-19 and officials warn of a possible third wave this winter.