I think plays about COVID should look at how people responded. There has been such a range of responses and some people seem to lack empathy in their response. Mask wearing has been an oddly divisive topic in the US and yet in other countries, people wear masks when they get sick out of courtesy during a normal year. It was never an upsetting concept to me. I wear a mask, and possibly prevent people from getting sick and dying. Seems worth it to me. Yet it’s not a country wide norm. Even here on campus with liberal population I see students wearing their masks incorrectly. It just doesn’t make sense to me. I’d be curious to see if the more politicized component of mask use would be included.
I think masks and being inside would have to be addressed in a play. It would be interesting to see what the reaction to a face mask years after COVID resolves is and if they become more normal to wear when sick like in Asian countries and what the reaction to seeing masked people on stage is. I think the social justice issues that were brought to prominence in June and July should be mentioned and the start of election season amidst all of this. As I write this, the President has COVID, is in multiple high-risk categories, and is currently staying at a hospital out of an abundance of caution. This is such a unique experience especially during an election year. Honestly, at this point, I wouldn’t want to see a play about COVID. I don’t want to think about it anymore, I’d much prefer a distraction. I think the timeline of when shows about it premiere is going to be important.
I think the exact things touched on in a play about COVID would vary based on the playwright and their message. I’m sure there are issues being raised that I’m not even aware of. But I also think the government’s action, or inaction, will be a notable part of many stories. Healthcare, job and wage inequity, with contactless pickup and the rise of disposable items disabled people have very equal access and yet both of those are COVID specific, police brutality. So many issues and conflicts rose to more general awareness and I think those will be addressed.
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