GALA Hispanic Theatre: Award-winning Latino performing arts center reopens
Award-winning Latino performing arts center in Washington, D.C. is 1 of 6 venues approved by D.C. officials to participate in a pilot program for indoor live performance
Washington, D.C. — GALA (Grupo de Artistas Latino Americanos) Hispanic Theatre, an award-winning Latino performing art center in Washington, D.C., has been selected to participate in a live performance reopening pilot program after closing its doors for 7-months during the District's pandemic lockdown. The pilot program kicked off this past weekend is part of the D.C. government's plan to allow a limited number of venues to host live shows. According to D.C. officials, "the pilot creates an opportunity to resume live entertainment in a controlled environment that can be scaled up or down and that District officials can learn from for future guidance." The theatre company has implemented the proper procedures to provide its patron's safety by limiting a maximum of 50 people per performance (including cast, crew, volunteers, and staff), and each show will not run longer than 90-minutes. Masks are required at all times, and there is a distance of over 20ft between the stage and the audience. GALA also decided to sell only 25 tickets per performance and will not sell seats in the first two rows as required by authorities. GALA takes these procedures seriously, including touchless temperature taking before entering the theatre, an enhanced HVAC system that purifies the air 6 to 8 times per hour. "The success of these protocols depends on each of us deciding to value the health and safety of the person next to us," says GALA spokesperson. The GALA Hispanic Theatre kicked off its sold-out reopening weekend with El Perro del Hortelano (The Dog in the Manger). This hilarious comedy explores the pain of love in a classist society. The play was written in the 17th century by the Master of Spain's Golden Age, Lope de Vega with modern adaptions. Come out and experience live performing safely and laugh with the cast at the GALA Hispanic Theatre as they perform this witty love story that defies all social norms. To purchase tickets for El Perro del Hortelano, visit the Gala's ticket box here. The production of this play continues this Thursday and runs through November 22, 2020. To learn more about the GALA's safety guidelines, visit its website here.