STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Company of Fools has cancelled its 25th anniversary season amidst COVID-19 concerns.
And the Alturas Institute’s Conversations with Exceptional Women conference, which was to have featured Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has been cancelled, as well.
“Sadly, we are facing a perfect storm,” said Company of Fools producing Artistic Director Scott Palmer. “Not only are we facing serious restrictions on our work due to the ongoing health crisis, but also uncertainty from the union representing professional actors, clear indications from our patrons about their unwillingness to attend live theater indoors, and significant loss of ticket income from reductions in ticket sales.”
The Fools’ season had already been pushed back. It was set to open on Sept. 9 with a production of Willy Russell’s “Educating Rita,” followed by “Bad Dates in October,” “The Importance of Being Earnest” in December, and “Balloonacy” and “The Gun Show” in Spring 2021.
Company of Fools plans to resume in July 2021.
Patrons who have purchased tickets for any of the plays may call 208-726-9491 to discuss refund and donation options.
David Adler, who founded the Conversations with Exceptional Women conference, which features Pulitzer Prize winners and others, said that he and his board also agonized over their decision to cancel this fall’s conference.
“But our overriding concern in these challenging times has been the health and safety of our audience, speakers and staff and, indeed, the entire valley,” he said. “At bottom, the prudential requirements of social distancing and the societal need to remain steadfast in protecting the health and welfare of fellow citizens preclude our gathering until next summer.”
The Alturas Institute is working with Justice Ginsburg to identify a date that she can be featured at the conference during the summer of 2021.
Patrons have the option of holding their reservations for 2021 or requesting a refund. Those wanting refunds who purchased tickets from The Argyros should contact boxoffice@theargyros.org. Those who purchased tickets from The Alturas Institute should contact David.adler@alturasinstitute.com.
Patrons may also convert their ticket purchase to a tax-deductible cash donation by contacting The Alturas Institute. The Institute will hold their reservations for 2021 and facilitate their purchase of tickets for next summer’s event.