Saturday, September 22, 2007
Xanadu Injuries
New York Times: "People have blamed a million things for the supposed decline of American theater: the movies, the lack of government support, the coarsening of the culture, etc., etc. But here is another theory: that the currently running Broadway musical “Xanadu,” based on the famously atrocious 1980 movie, is simply disabling everybody one by one."
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8 comments:
I remember hearing similar stories of performers hurting themselves The Lion King. For that show, the 75 pound costumes were causing back problems on the cast. In this show, as they are sending people to the hospital and giving away ice packs like its their job, it just goes to show the awful dispoability of dancers. Funny how A Chorus Line tried to wrestle with these issues years ago but they are still so prevelant today...
Oh no!
Is it bad that I find it slightly comical? Its unfortunate that people got hurt, and I’m not laughing at the pain they are in…but… it’s Xanadu, what do they expect? It certainly is an interesting theory that the decline in American theater could be the fault of this awesome 80’s musical on wheels. Amusing…sad, but funny.
oh man....nice timing Rico!
I was not there and didn’t know what happened exactly, so it’s not easy to say anything. Usually, dance and violent movement quite easily get the performers injured. Therefore, it’s very important for a performer to have a total warm up and stretch before going onstage. Plus, for the director and the choreographer, plus the designer maybe, please don’t let the performer do the inhuman movement on stage. After all, the show is a live performance unlike the film can be edited and the actors only need to hang on before camera for a shot lasting around a few minutes.
I think it's a bit of a reach to say that American Theatre is going downhill because a few actors hurt thier ankles in one show. The actors did sign up for it after all and knew that there was some risk in this show so you can't really blame the writer as the article does. There are so many different factors that have to do with the decline in theatre but i don't think that the shows that are out right now are a reason why.
Its more witty than realistic to blame the downfall of american theatre on the writers of the musical Xanadu. however it wouldnt be out of place to put the blame on the choreographers for the falling down of the actors (sorry, just had to throw that one in there). maybe they should have hired figure skaters instead of dancers. these big budget shows cause a lot of injuries because the producers can throw their money at large and potentially dangerous costumes (lion king headdresses and skates). they pay for spectacle with injuries. but then again actors should know this is what life has in store for them. lots and lots of injuries. its on them to warm up correctly each time. and yet its interesting to note that everyone is telling the actors to warm up well but the injuries are all bone injuries, not muscle injuries.
I'm a little shocked that the producers, or somebody, doesn't feel a little more responsible for all the actor's injuries. While I realize that every show has its risks and that the actors have to be aware of what they can and can't do and prepare appropriately, I'm not sure that cartwheels on roller skates was ever a good idea. Seriously, how could someone not get an injury doing that over and over again? And I agree, Elize, it sounds like they needed to hire figure skaters or people with some other type of trainging for this production. But this show, and all the others mentioned in the comments, makes me wonder if part of the problem is actors and producers alike knowing their limits. At what point do you sacrifice safety, practicality, ability for a vision? Are we coming to the point where the audience requires a level of entertainment with so many safety or comfort issues for the company? I think the article says as much about the American viewer as it does American theatre.
First of all, let's face it, I'm kind of surprised the show is still playing on Broadway. I don't think that this issue will lead to the demise of American theatre, but the costume/set designers could start getting more limitations placed on keeping the safety of the actors in line while on the set or in the costumes. The choreographer also may have to keep their dance moves safer, or hire professionals that they know are capable of these dances.
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