Dublin's Gate Theatre has announced that it has postponed all productions for this year and will not be reopening until 2021.
In a statement it said the loss of at least nine months of programming due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting loss of box office receipts, staging any productions this year would be unsustainable.
The Director of the Gate Theatre said deciding to keep the theatre closed for the rest of the year was a deeply difficult and disappointing decision.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Selina Cartmell said staff examined every model and scenario but it just was not possible to reopen with Covid-19 restrictions.
She said efforts will now be made to work with as many artists and communities as possible so that when the Gate does reopen that there will be new ways to reach new audiences.
Ms Cartmell said the work and commitment of the Arts Council and the NCFA has been heartening to see and "the recent announcement of the additional €25 million for culture by the Government is very welcome".
The Gate said that as 67% of its yearly income is from box office receipts, it is dependent on audience numbers, which are not possible while social distancing is in place.
The Great Gatsby, The Snapper, Hamlet and A Christmas Carol are among the sold-out and award-winning productions which have been staged at the theatre since 2017.
