After almost three months of closure, and always in line with the recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health, Coliseu Porto Ageas will reopen its doors this Monday, June 1st.
The return is part of the third phase of the Reopening Plan defined by the Government and the Coliseum has already started working on the implementation of the rules defined by the Ministry of Culture for theatres and concert halls.
One of the main changes will be the reduction in capacity. With a maximum capacity of 4000 people, the Coliseu Porto Ageas will now have around 1500 spectators, always seated, ensuring the recommended distance during the performance of our shows.
Other measures to be applied include the definition of new circulation circuits for the public (avoiding gatherings) and a frequent and rigorous plan for cleaning and disinfecting the facilities, namely the complete cleaning of the rooms before opening doors and after each session.
“The measures we are implementing are fundamental for the reopening to take place under strict security conditions so that everyone – whoever works here and the audiences who visit us – feel confident in being back together“, says the President of the Coliseum, Mónica Guerreiro. “If artistic creation accompanied us during confinement, in the most diverse ways, we undoubtedly yearn for a return to experience and live contact, and for work models that ensure the fair remuneration of artists, producers and technicians.”
The ticket office will be open from Monday, at reduced hours, from 1 pm to 4 pm (Monday to Saturday). In transactions, whenever possible, the use of a contactless bank card will be privileged. In the case of cancelled shows, the Coliseum will also try to make the return to an ATM card, avoiding the handling of notes and coins.
The application of extraordinary and urgent measures in order to contain the transmission of the new Coronavirus has, since the first moment, involved the closure of facilities and establishments where cultural and artistic activities are carried out. From one moment to the next, artists, technical teams, promoters and concert halls were the first to see their activity suspended.
During the past three months, the teams have worked on the postponement and rescheduling of dozens of shows. The return to the stage will be done step by step. In the current context of change, which poses profitability challenges to the rooms, the Coliseu Porto Ageas opens to give a signal that it is available to contribute to the return of culture to people’s daily lives, and for artists to return to present their concerts, plays and dance, opera, comedy and circus arts. And so that all of us, the public, can enjoy it again.