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Thursday, September 12, 2019
Finding a Way to Love 'Phantom' After Trauma
Theatre Development Fund – TDF: When someone says she has a complicated relationship in her life, she's usually referring to her mother or an ex. But for me, my most complicated relationship is with my favorite musical: The Phantom of the Opera.
11 comments:
Elliot Queale
said...
I really like this article for many reasons, particularly for bringing up shows that have content that we as a community are now recognizing as inappropriate and disrespectful (not they they ever weren't that way). Not only do I respect the author for talking about her story and relationship with the #MeToo movement, but also how her experience affected her life outside that toxic relationship with something she really valued. I admire the author's new look on "Phantom of the Opera", and I think we can all take moments to look more closely at some older works we may be fond of. One other good example of this is R&H's "Carousel", which also highlights an abusive and manipulative relationship at its core. This hasn't halted productions (specifically the 2018 revival), but gives us an opportunity to look at these works more critically. A the author notes, her focus while watching the musical has shifted solely to Christine and her character arc throughout the show rather than relationship with the Phantom. All in all, just because shows may contain this content doesn't mean they can't be produced, and equally just because the content was accepted when it was created doesn't mean we have to live with it that way.
First off, I have absolutely so much respect for the author and her personal journey both in life and in regards to her relationship with Phantom of the Opera. Phantom is one of my favourite shows but it is extraordinarily problematic. I, too, romanticised Christine and the Phantom’s relationship for years until it became evident how toxic and manipulative he was. While undoubtedly a great musical - in terms of writing, music, lyrics, costumes, scenic, etc. - Phantom is undoubtedly without its issues; that we, as a society are beginning to realise the faults of what had previously been mindlessly consumed entertainment is the first step to reformation and recognition of these behaviours in real life. Part of what the theatre serves as is a form of escapism, but we cannot allow it to become an escapist fantasy for the worse.
The subject of discussion about The Phantom of the Opera representing androcentrism and female suppression, just like other dramatic works from ancient novels is doing, is not a new one. Although the Phantom is not described as the successful hero, I agree ignoring the hierarchical relationship between him and Christine is not very modern and it should be debated. However, what I really like about this article is how the writer finds a completely new way to observe the show instead of starting to criticize it as an activist. Recently, I am a little exhausted by seeing many historical works of art being fundamentally censured. Interpretation of the work may change in time, however, I believe the fact that it has been regarded with admiration is unchangeable. Nevertheless, I disagree with the writer’s interpretation of Christine never had feelings for the Phantom and considering her as a complete victim, which is a whole other discussion.
This is a strong article and I truly admire the author’s insight and willingness to share their story. I think it is extremely important to critically examine theatre, especially theatre that comes from an era where the majority of the population were not thinking about how some aspects may be problematic. Some people I feel claim that it is best to forget these works and push them from the canon. It is still possible to appreciate the works that we now deem as ‘problematic.’ We can also acknowledge the problematic elements in our discussion and viewing of these works. It is great that now more talk is coming up about Phantom because of the reasons she outlines; the toxicity of the relationship is evident and it is important to call this out and acknowledge the very real trauma that it conveys. Hopefully we can continue these conversations and listen to the voices that are telling us how conveying these types of relationships in a positive light can be triggering to many.
One of the wonderful things about fiction is that we can discuss hard topics without bringing up anyone’s personal trauma. Also, our perspective on our favorite art should change based on our experiences. I loved how Meg explains her transition from viewing the Phantom as a mythical creature to an uncomfortable experience is natural and normal. I don’t think Meg needs to feel guilty about still loving the musical Phantom, even if she ended up still having problems with the story. I think we can still love the music, staging, acting, singing, and production even we struggle with the story. I also believe that struggling with art is a good thing because if forces us to think. We can and should still tell the stories of toxic relationships, as long as we tell them from the perspective of overcoming and escaping the relationship. I loved this article, Meg’s presentation of her relationship to Phantom and beautifully written and I immensely enjoyed reading it.
Personally, I like the author can relate to seeing a musical for the first time and falling absolutely in love. For me, (when I was about 12) Newsies the Musical sparked a theatre bug for me and I could not get enough of that show. However, I really admire the way the author found connections with her beloved musical, Phantom of the Opera. She describes when she first saw it and how she was at a point in her life in which he was naive and undergoing a new experience in a new location. The author really draws on the ways in which we as human beings heal through art. After having an experience with a person who did not have good intentions, her perspective on the show shifted and changed. I find it very striking how despite her seeing the flaws with the Phantom, she still is able to appreciate the musical and focus more on the strength of Christine.
I have never seen The Phantom of the Opera. However, this article does a great job of explaining the author's personal connection to this musical. It is very interesting to me how the author, Meg Masseron, had such a deep connection to a musical character. She fell in love with the story and the principal actors as if it was her, that is until the Me Too movement. This recent movement brought up a lot of wrong that was always wrong, but never really mentioned previously. I find it interesting how the author was so deeply connected to the character, yet until this movement began, she never realized the pain the Phantom character caused Christine, the female lead. Now, after this movement caused a bit of a cultural shift, I appreciate that Masserson still appreciates the musical she enjoyed so much. It is very important that she can now look through a different, more clear lens and be self-aware when it comes to those who like to take control of others.
This is a very powerful article especially in the heat of the Me Too movement. Having only seen the movie of Phantom of the Opera I’m not super familiar with the show, but I definitely agree that the relationship between Christine and the Phantom is very unhealthy. The Phantom obviously has a lot of power over Christine because he is older and much more experienced. He also knows full well that she is naive and takes advantage of that. Although this musical provides an example of a very unhealthy relationship, this doesn’t mean that it’s a bad musical. This just shows that we need to look at this show with a new perspective. Instead of romanticizing Phantom of the Opera, we need to learn from it! Hopefully in this day and age people will be able to enjoy this show while still acknowledging its complex characters.
I love that this author was able to have the courage to speak up about the unhealthy relationship with whom she thought was a good friend and mentor. One of my favorite things about theatre is how so many different people are able to relate to what is happening in any production based on what they've experienced in their own lives. However, being able to relate so much can bring back awful memories and can become somewhat of a trigger for a lot of people, but I think that that's part of the beauty of theatre. No, I don't think that everyone going through a serious trauma should go to every production related to whatever they're going through, but, at least for me, I do like to have stories related to mine shown on stage. It reminds me that I'm not the only one going through whatever I happen to be going through at the moment. Putting that aside, I do believe that it's possible to love a production even if it does relate to a terrible thing that may have happened, and this author proves it in her article. After seeing a show multiple times, we are ablet o uncover the deeper and more complex meanings behind what the production is about, and I think that's beautiful.
It’s articles like these that make me appreciate timeless media more and more, Phantom of the Opera as an example. Firstly, Phantom of the Opera was my first introduction to the musical theatre/theatre world, aside from my parents working in it occasionally, so the analysis of this show in particular was an appeal for me. Now, I really appreciate this article because it shows how timeless some of the content and issues are in the show. Rather than a criticism of the writing of the show or the characters due to its nature, it’s an analysis of the actions that occur throughout the show through a modern lense. This expansion into the realm of old works both modernizes shows to create a new perspective and demonstrates that the issues and situations that occur within the show are still prominent: in this case, relationship manipulation for personal gain. Ultimately, this modern analysis of the classic show brought new meaning to the show for me personally, which as I mentioned previously has a spot close to my heart. Prior to the reading, I hadn’t thought of any of the ideals presented in the show for a long time, but this sort of reinvents the meaning to me, and I really appreciate the discussion.
I adore this article. I grew up with Phantom of the Opera. My parents went to see it together when my mom was pregnant with me, and I have so many memories of listening to the soundtrack and watching the movie. A few years ago, after not having watched the movie for many years, the show came to the Fox in St. Louis. My mom took me to see it, and I couldn’t help but wonder how I hadn’t noticed how messed up it all was, but hearing this perspective made me feel a lot better. I still don’t think I can ever see this musical the same way, and it is far from my favorite nowadays, but this article helped me understand how my mom might love it as much as she does. I wish the show didn’t make people sympathize with the phantom so much, but I think with the conversations that have been happening in the industry lately, people will come to understand the show in a different, and more progressive light.
11 comments:
I really like this article for many reasons, particularly for bringing up shows that have content that we as a community are now recognizing as inappropriate and disrespectful (not they they ever weren't that way). Not only do I respect the author for talking about her story and relationship with the #MeToo movement, but also how her experience affected her life outside that toxic relationship with something she really valued. I admire the author's new look on "Phantom of the Opera", and I think we can all take moments to look more closely at some older works we may be fond of. One other good example of this is R&H's "Carousel", which also highlights an abusive and manipulative relationship at its core. This hasn't halted productions (specifically the 2018 revival), but gives us an opportunity to look at these works more critically. A the author notes, her focus while watching the musical has shifted solely to Christine and her character arc throughout the show rather than relationship with the Phantom. All in all, just because shows may contain this content doesn't mean they can't be produced, and equally just because the content was accepted when it was created doesn't mean we have to live with it that way.
First off, I have absolutely so much respect for the author and her personal journey both in life and in regards to her relationship with Phantom of the Opera. Phantom is one of my favourite shows but it is extraordinarily problematic. I, too, romanticised Christine and the Phantom’s relationship for years until it became evident how toxic and manipulative he was. While undoubtedly a great musical - in terms of writing, music, lyrics, costumes, scenic, etc. - Phantom is undoubtedly without its issues; that we, as a society are beginning to realise the faults of what had previously been mindlessly consumed entertainment is the first step to reformation and recognition of these behaviours in real life. Part of what the theatre serves as is a form of escapism, but we cannot allow it to become an escapist fantasy for the worse.
The subject of discussion about The Phantom of the Opera representing androcentrism and female suppression, just like other dramatic works from ancient novels is doing, is not a new one. Although the Phantom is not described as the successful hero, I agree ignoring the hierarchical relationship between him and Christine is not very modern and it should be debated. However, what I really like about this article is how the writer finds a completely new way to observe the show instead of starting to criticize it as an activist. Recently, I am a little exhausted by seeing many historical works of art being fundamentally censured. Interpretation of the work may change in time, however, I believe the fact that it has been regarded with admiration is unchangeable. Nevertheless, I disagree with the writer’s interpretation of Christine never had feelings for the Phantom and considering her as a complete victim, which is a whole other discussion.
This is a strong article and I truly admire the author’s insight and willingness to share their story. I think it is extremely important to critically examine theatre, especially theatre that comes from an era where the majority of the population were not thinking about how some aspects may be problematic. Some people I feel claim that it is best to forget these works and push them from the canon. It is still possible to appreciate the works that we now deem as ‘problematic.’ We can also acknowledge the problematic elements in our discussion and viewing of these works.
It is great that now more talk is coming up about Phantom because of the reasons she outlines; the toxicity of the relationship is evident and it is important to call this out and acknowledge the very real trauma that it conveys. Hopefully we can continue these conversations and listen to the voices that are telling us how conveying these types of relationships in a positive light can be triggering to many.
One of the wonderful things about fiction is that we can discuss hard topics without bringing up anyone’s personal trauma. Also, our perspective on our favorite art should change based on our experiences. I loved how Meg explains her transition from viewing the Phantom as a mythical creature to an uncomfortable experience is natural and normal. I don’t think Meg needs to feel guilty about still loving the musical Phantom, even if she ended up still having problems with the story. I think we can still love the music, staging, acting, singing, and production even we struggle with the story. I also believe that struggling with art is a good thing because if forces us to think. We can and should still tell the stories of toxic relationships, as long as we tell them from the perspective of overcoming and escaping the relationship. I loved this article, Meg’s presentation of her relationship to Phantom and beautifully written and I immensely enjoyed reading it.
Personally, I like the author can relate to seeing a musical for the first time and falling absolutely in love. For me, (when I was about 12) Newsies the Musical sparked a theatre bug for me and I could not get enough of that show. However, I really admire the way the author found connections with her beloved musical, Phantom of the Opera. She describes when she first saw it and how she was at a point in her life in which he was naive and undergoing a new experience in a new location. The author really draws on the ways in which we as human beings heal through art. After having an experience with a person who did not have good intentions, her perspective on the show shifted and changed. I find it very striking how despite her seeing the flaws with the Phantom, she still is able to appreciate the musical and focus more on the strength of Christine.
I have never seen The Phantom of the Opera. However, this article does a great job of explaining the author's personal connection to this musical. It is very interesting to me how the author, Meg Masseron, had such a deep connection to a musical character. She fell in love with the story and the principal actors as if it was her, that is until the Me Too movement. This recent movement brought up a lot of wrong that was always wrong, but never really mentioned previously. I find it interesting how the author was so deeply connected to the character, yet until this movement began, she never realized the pain the Phantom character caused Christine, the female lead. Now, after this movement caused a bit of a cultural shift, I appreciate that Masserson still appreciates the musical she enjoyed so much. It is very important that she can now look through a different, more clear lens and be self-aware when it comes to those who like to take control of others.
This is a very powerful article especially in the heat of the Me Too movement. Having only seen the movie of Phantom of the Opera I’m not super familiar with the show, but I definitely agree that the relationship between Christine and the Phantom is very unhealthy. The Phantom obviously has a lot of power over Christine because he is older and much more experienced. He also knows full well that she is naive and takes advantage of that. Although this musical provides an example of a very unhealthy relationship, this doesn’t mean that it’s a bad musical. This just shows that we need to look at this show with a new perspective. Instead of romanticizing Phantom of the Opera, we need to learn from it! Hopefully in this day and age people will be able to enjoy this show while still acknowledging its complex characters.
I love that this author was able to have the courage to speak up about the unhealthy relationship with whom she thought was a good friend and mentor. One of my favorite things about theatre is how so many different people are able to relate to what is happening in any production based on what they've experienced in their own lives. However, being able to relate so much can bring back awful memories and can become somewhat of a trigger for a lot of people, but I think that that's part of the beauty of theatre. No, I don't think that everyone going through a serious trauma should go to every production related to whatever they're going through, but, at least for me, I do like to have stories related to mine shown on stage. It reminds me that I'm not the only one going through whatever I happen to be going through at the moment. Putting that aside, I do believe that it's possible to love a production even if it does relate to a terrible thing that may have happened, and this author proves it in her article. After seeing a show multiple times, we are ablet o uncover the deeper and more complex meanings behind what the production is about, and I think that's beautiful.
It’s articles like these that make me appreciate timeless media more and more, Phantom of the Opera as an example. Firstly, Phantom of the Opera was my first introduction to the musical theatre/theatre world, aside from my parents working in it occasionally, so the analysis of this show in particular was an appeal for me.
Now, I really appreciate this article because it shows how timeless some of the content and issues are in the show. Rather than a criticism of the writing of the show or the characters due to its nature, it’s an analysis of the actions that occur throughout the show through a modern lense. This expansion into the realm of old works both modernizes shows to create a new perspective and demonstrates that the issues and situations that occur within the show are still prominent: in this case, relationship manipulation for personal gain.
Ultimately, this modern analysis of the classic show brought new meaning to the show for me personally, which as I mentioned previously has a spot close to my heart. Prior to the reading, I hadn’t thought of any of the ideals presented in the show for a long time, but this sort of reinvents the meaning to me, and I really appreciate the discussion.
I adore this article. I grew up with Phantom of the Opera. My parents went to see it together when my mom was pregnant with me, and I have so many memories of listening to the soundtrack and watching the movie. A few years ago, after not having watched the movie for many years, the show came to the Fox in St. Louis. My mom took me to see it, and I couldn’t help but wonder how I hadn’t noticed how messed up it all was, but hearing this perspective made me feel a lot better. I still don’t think I can ever see this musical the same way, and it is far from my favorite nowadays, but this article helped me understand how my mom might love it as much as she does. I wish the show didn’t make people sympathize with the phantom so much, but I think with the conversations that have been happening in the industry lately, people will come to understand the show in a different, and more progressive light.
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