MinnesotaPlaylist.com: There's nothing we love more than a good, old-fashioned controversy. No matter how much we say we say that we wish people could be nice and get along and have long, respectful conversations about explosive issues, we still line up to watch the fireworks go off. No matter who you are, or how understanding you try to be of all sides of any issue, there is some always topic out there waiting for you to let loose the full power of your rage.
7 comments:
"I'm skeptical of the theater's power to incite passion in the public anymore. I know this is a heretical statement for a theatre practitioner to make; but the average person just doesn't go to see theater. It isn't the realm where the public at large plays out its fantasies and fears. We have TV, movies, the internet and football to do that."
I'm really disappointed in this comment. Maybe it's true for many, but it's not what I see in the people around me, and it certainly isn't what I'd like to see in the community around me. I'll admit that the average person just doesn't go to see theatre (anymore), but I'd like to hope that we each have a part to play in changing that.
As for the controversy surrounding cultural depiction (and cultural appropriation, I suppose), it's a sweeping but sometimes true generalization to say that the people in charge are quick to anger, quick to speak. Isn't this something we learned as young children? "Think before you speak." And as you get older, something along the lines of "research your facts before you write it in a paper" becomes more suitable. An instantaneous eruption of anger is the first reaction, and finding selective evidence is the follow-up. But how embarrassing is it to jump to conclusions and then be proven wrong? Many will back down, slinking away quietly, hoping no one will notice. That seems to be what Rajan Zed is doing in light of a comedic portrayal of Hinduism. Regardless, the issue of offending communities was brought up, and though it may have been discussed early on, someone somewhere took the time to pause and think about it.
So in the end, I believe that controversy is good. Differing opinions are good. Passionate debate is good. ... So long as everyone involved will listen to the rest. Controversy does not always come to a conclusion, but so long as we can agree to disagree, we are furthering our knowledge as well as the knowledge of others.
I completely agree with Doci. I don't necessarily believe that artists set out to make people upset & make waves, but often fulfillment goes hand in hand with making a statement. I'm a huge believer in theatre as a vehicle for social change. It would be a lost opportunity if we didn't treat it this way. Moreover, I think it's irresponsible. I believe that we, as practitioners, have an obligation to produce art that will start the conversation--not necessarily sway one way or the other.
For the most part I agree with everything that has been said. However, I do believe that there are artists out there that try to be as "controversial" as possible. People are constantly in this mindset that any press is good press. If someone produces a show that everyone walks away from talking about how much they hated, at least they're talking about it, right? The issue get's some attention and so does the show. I agree with Jody that we should be producing art that starts a conversation, but I think if the soul purpose of a show is to make people angry and get attention then there is absolutely nothing that makes it different from Miley Cyrus twerking. It's a publicity stunt. It's cheap. It's a cop out. It's easy to make people angry, but there's a difference between making people angry for the sake of making them angry and making them angry because of an issue that they haven't considered or didn't realize they care about.
This author is right on when they say:
"I'm skeptical of the theater's power to incite passion in the public anymore." Theater is not in the public eye and while it may try to stir up controversy with new plays that touch on important topics, it is often the texts that we least expect that actually get people talking. It is sad that well written, thought out, and well produced works often don't have the effect that they want. I think this is because the shows that are controversial are unintentional.
If you set out to do one thing and unintentionally do another then people will probably get offended. On the other hand if you intend to do something and you get your point across and it's clear (like Clybourne park) then people understand what you are trying to say and agree with you then they will just and move on because there isn't anything else to think about. I don't exactly understand why this has changed from the past. To name one example "Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf" stirred up lots of controversy in it's time and was very intentional. Maybe it's the venues that certain plays are going to, I wonder if once "Clybourne Park" goes to podunk Iowa if it will have the same effect as it did on Broadway.
I also think that it's funny that theater is always trying to start controversy. Unlike film and television (most of the time) theater is just trying to get a controversial reaction. Why does that equal good drama? Why can't Wicked just be good enough? People like watching it, it doesn't push any buttons and it is fun to watch. Maybe if all theater was more like tv and film then our industry would be thriving. But then of course I would probably leave the field cause it would be boring and pointless...
Often I wonder if the theater that incites the most controversy is that which didn't intend to. It ties into the whole concept of being edgy for the sake of being edgy and how that is inevitably boring. I feel like part of what causes controversy in theater these days is that a production will go up that seems like it won't bother anyone, but some small group with very strong convictions will overreact and the stream of controversy explodes.
In shows like Clayborne park, where it was intended to stir up a little controversy, none came because it was an issue that we all know and no one really has a strong enough conviction to start an uproar. It's not that it's not an important issue, its just a well know one without any crazy obsessive followers.
Controversy is the underlying theme of all reality tv.... Hence why it is so popular and is thriving more than theatre and scripted television, to some extent! Humans love gossip and a good story, that is why so many people like to watch tv shows that they can then talk about with other people and discuss what happened and what they think will happen next. This is an element that is non existent in theatre. Let's be honest, you go and see a play and then think about it for a week after and then that is it. There is also more drama with music artists and television actors than theatrical artists. People look to theatre for the quality of the show, however people look to tv and music artists not only for the product, but for the added drama or spectacle that the paparazzi and social media provides.
I adore theatre as a space in which to brazenly insight discussion and controversy. Some of the most memorable shows for me are those in which I leave the theatre full of both questions and arguments, more than ready of a lively dessert with those I have gone to the theatre with. Yet this controversial element is not without its checks and balances. I have also found myself in performances beyond the realm of theatre into what I would call a “Shock-Art Experience.” The sole intention of these pieces is to make audience members uncomfortable and irritated regarding a certain topic. The director and designers prioritized this shock value over the intellectual discussion to be had, and as a direct result, I feel offended and enraged without any firm understanding on what I am shocked or enraged about. I contend that as long as you serve the topic at hand and cultivate that particular discussion, out of truth and genuineness the controversy will come. So long as there are strong willed opinions, the strong willed discussions will follow.
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