Variety: From “Aladdin” in Mexico City to “Frozen” in London to “The Lion King” in Tokyo — not to mention “Lion King” and “Aladdin” on Broadway — Disney Theatrical Productions is in the midst of opening nine new productions and restarting another 14 that were darkened by the pandemic. And they’re doing it all in a span of about seven months.
5 comments:
Companies with vast amounts of funds and resources are a mixed bag because Disney constantly toes the line of monopoly but their resources are allowing them to restart all of their productions at once. The Production member who explained “Disney Production’s role in restarting the theater industry” was correct about recirculating money and jobs among theatre artists. The thing is, Disney “restarting” would be indicative of them having so much sway in the industry that they could control trends within it. I’m happy that they are working to employ people, but their monopoly over multiple industries has always unnerved me.
The phrase, ”we made the decision that at the base of what we do is people” really spoke to me and inspired me. Sometimes when we get to work we become absorbed in deadlines and budgets and we lose sight of the purpose: to explore passions and tell stories! The author is so exactly correct when saying we need to support the whole “ecosystem” of a production. Disney’s commitment for making spaces for any person's need is inspiring as such a big corporation. This is a very positive way to frame the pandemic; as a positive revolution improving workers rights and general empathy. Disney is a revolutionary company that can inspire others, by setting such a positive example, a huge deal of good can be spread! I hope many production companies feel inspired by companies such as Disney and Broadway companies who are following a similar path.
I wish the article had been more in-depth on how Disney plans to achieve a full restart of all their shows in one sweep. This is definitely a monumental task that they set for themselves. I'm sure their management teams are working overtime to accomplish this in such a short time. It's nice seeing a large and well-funded company such as Disney setting a precedent of people-first choice making. Despite the difficulty of what they're trying to accomplish they're doing so to give the people that contribute to their vast shows the steady employment that has been so scarce and sought after for the last year and a half. That focus on people, I believe, is one of the reasons Disney is so beloved. I do agree with Sophie that at times I've found Disney's monopoly-esque size and reputation for burning out their employees worrisome, at times like these it is beneficial to have employers of such means and scope.
It’s nice to see companies such as Disney, who have such a wide global network and funding to focus on bringing theatre back. Especially with the conscious intention of equity and balancing everyone’s needs. I think it’s a leading act for Disney to step out and call out the importance of reviving the theatre “ecosystem” and making sure people are comfortable with it. Hopefully other companies will join Disney and commit to making the theatre industry a more loved and home-like place where everyone ( including cast, crew and other staff) feels safe and free to express themselves. But of course, we must be aware that there are still many smaller-size companies that are not necessarily ready to welcome audiences, cast and staff back. There could be many factors behind this but as long as the awareness is raised, then it’s already a huge step forward.
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