Live events in the Abbey Theatre and National Concert Hall could convince public health officials live gigs can come back safely.
That's the hope of Arts Minister Catherine Martin, who's announced a "live test" limited to the two Dublin venues next weekend.
The Irish Chamber Orchestra will give a Christmas concert next weekend - while a series of one-hander plays will be performed at the Abbey.
Minister Catherine Martin says it will be a step back towards normality.
"These test performances follow the recommendations of the Arts Recovery Task Force."
"Which said the treatment of culture activities should be reviewed."
"So now hopefully these indoor test live performances will chart the way forward for other venues."
"We're all in this together, so it's these test pilots that'll help the others."
Performances In Other Venues Could Follow
Catherine Martin says before anything like a rock concert could happen, these tests have to work.
"My priority is to try to re-open venues in all locations but we have to start somewhere."
"It's small steps first and we have to learn from other countries as well."
"At the end of the day we cannot have a standstill, musicians need to perform, actors need to be on stage and poets need to be able to share their words."
