The world of Tzu Chi August 2020 (Vol.125)

TZU CHI 125 09 message among the performing arts circle: “Reselling protective equipment helps performing arts practitioners make an independent living and tides us over this difficult time. We hope that you, arts and culture enthusiasts, will lend us a helping hand in ensuring our survival. Thank you in advance!” The local performing arts scene is still fledgling; revenue from live theatre performances is only sufficient to sustain the operations of performing arts venues. Most theatre arts practitioners depend on conducting enrichment classes and coaching extracurricular groups in schools for income. The temporary closure of schools and performing arts venues during the MCO had deprived local performing arts practitioners of their bread and butter. Fortunately for You Ping, a friend introduced him to an opportunity to become an agent for the resale of hand sanitizers, surgical face masks, face shields, gloves, disinfecting machines and other protective equipment. He distributed order lists to his acquaintances in the performing arts fraternity, hoping to enable those in need to solicit orders from family and friends. This way, You Ping was not only able to sustain himself, but also assist the performing arts community to secure a source of income. The performing arts circle is often perceived as an artistic collective independent of corporate entities and business dealings – contrary to You Ping’s current involvement in the sales of protective equipment. Nevertheless, You Ping had no qualms about his recent foray into commerce. “It’s only normal for us to earn a living through selling protective equipment; at least we don’t have to resort to begging from the public. Moreover, protective equipment is needed in large quantities lately. This trade provides protection to all while at the same time supports the livelihoods of performing Veteran theatre practitioner Goh You Ping became a resale agent specializing in Covid-19 protective equipment to benefit both himself as well as others. Adapting to the Times