The performing arts industry say the reopening of their sector is proof that life is returning to normal.
Indoor events like plays will be allowed to restart from next Monday with 60% capacity following the announcement of the latest easing of Covid restrictions.
The industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, with many people being forced to seek jobs elsewhere due to the prolonged shutdown of live events.
Speaking to RedFM News, theatre producer Patrick Talbot says recent auditions at Cork Opera House highlighted how the pandemic has hit those involved in performing arts:
"We had auditions here, actually in the Opera House, about a week ago, and one man who came in to audition said it was his first audition in person, in a year, having graduated from drama school in 2019. And that is a measure of how stalled, if I can put it that way, the business has been, and by extension, people's livelihoods."
