The Independent: The former U.S. president and first lady announced that their media company Higher Ground will be working on the Broadway revival of Proof, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Auburn that centers on the daughter of a math professor who finds a notebook containing revelatory mathematical findings after his death.
12 comments:
I think broadway has started moving in the direction a little to heavily of producing plays with big names attached in order to attract larger audiences, which maybe is not the best thing for the art form, but hearing there is a show about a math proof with Ayo Edebiri, Don Cheadle, and Michelle Obama attached does make me want to book a ticket to New York to see it, so I guess it's an effective business model. I’m not a huge fan of politicians getting involved in the arts because it can slide into propaganda real quick, but unlike some other people it seems like the Obamas aren't interested in plastering their names across the most buildings possible, and instead might actually care about the art that they are supporting. I do hope this show works out, it sounds like a play with real heart and interesting themes, and once again I am completely blinded by the chance to see Ayo Edebiri on stage.
I read an article a while back about how plays becoming a better investment from a producer standpoint Broadway rather than musicals. I think the choice in producing Proof reflects the direction mainstream theatre is going in and how the financial aspect will ultimately always dictate the artistry of broadway as a whole. The Obamas producing this play in particular shows that they have deep commitment to their personal values as they have historically been known to elevate nuanced, thought‑provoking narratives.
Given the Obamas’ political history, I have to wonder about politicians’ place in theatre production. Theatre has always been a place where ideas can be explored freely, without the same political branding that politicians or former politicians seem to hold. Even though neither of them hold a political office, being the former president and first lady does hold a sustained influence within their political party. Does no longer being a politician allow you to completely shed your branding? I don’t know, I’ve never been in office. But at this point in my career, I have to remember that the more money wealthy people are putting into theatre, the more jobs there will be, so I should just relax about it.
I think this is so fun and so exciting! To me, I feel as if Barack and Michelle Obama have always been connected to the arts in some way, and I am kind of excited to see what they create as producers. I have never heard of the show “proof” before but just hearing this little clip explaining what this play is about, I really want to see it, especially with Barack and Michelle Obama producing this show it makes me want to see the show even more as I am a big supporter of the Obama's and have always thought they were what was needed for our country and there is no better way to inspire hope than through the arts. I am also so excited to see this cast come together and see the work and new vision that they bring to this revival. I believe that with their experience working on multiple titles with Netflix titles, they can bring new light to this production, and I have high hopes for what they will accomplish!
I am not sure if I had given much thought as to the current plans or activities of the Obama’s, but I have been curious as to what Ex-presidents do after their time in office. This is the first that I have heard of the Obama’s producing company, or of their involvement in theater as producers. I am not sure what I expected them to be doing, but I am both surprised and happy that they are working in the same field and me and my peers. It would be surreal to work on a theatrical production that they are producing or involved in some way. In fact it is surreal to think that I have actually watched televised or streamed productions that may not have come to fruition without their involvement. I do wonder which aspects of theater of performance as a whole each of them prefers. As in it would be interesting to learn that Michelle enjoys the lighting design aspects of theater and Barack enjoys the sound designs involved. I have no idea what their interests specifically are, but knowing would be a really cool piece of information to have that wouldn’t really mean anything. Regardless it would be cool to know, and would help me understand why they got involved in theater as producers.
My old high school is currently putting on a production of Proof so I think it’s really interesting that people like the Obamas are interested in the play too. I read the play once a long time ago but remember it being a solid mix of dry comedy and compelling dilemmas and character conflicts. As a Black-led production of the show, the Obamas say the reason they chose this production of Proof as the first show they have a hand in is that “Proof is exactly the kind of story Higher Ground was built to champion, a play that asks profound questions about brilliance, doubt, and what we inherit from the people we love most” which I personally think is a weak statement. Proof is a pretty good show, but I’d like to hear more about if and how the Obamas’ creative ideas and vision align with this production of the show.
I think it's really cool that the Obamas have decided they want to produce Broadway shows. The show itself seems like a great piece, and I’m excited to see how it continues to develop. I think that more people who are involved in politics should also be involved in theater, because art is inherently political and it has such a great impact on people. The Obamas, I think, are in a unique position to be able to do this, and I’m so happy they decided to. I think much like casting an actor who has name recognition, getting people who are famous, especially people who aren’t famous as producers will help a show to sell, and I think having the Obamas on this show as producers is going to impact the way people see the show and garner a lot more publicity surrounding it, selling more tickets, without having to cast a tik toker or a popstar who can’t act.
To be honest I love this for Barack and Michelle. I think presidents and past-presidents should start doing things that are more fun. In my opinion, presidents should have hobbies too. And, because they have money, its even better if their hobbies are things that benefit the people and collective culture like getting into the arts. Its much better than the classic presidential activity of golfing all day. I also really appreciate that they’re producing this show together. Something I always loved about the Obamas was how Barack and Michelle seemed to actually be living in the white house together and they were both so involved in their administration. And now that Barack is not in office anymore (tragically), its good to see them still engaging with the arts and community and trying to put in what they can. I do wonder though what effect being a former president has on what you’re able to produce. I hope the Obamas take this opportunity to say something critical and remain involved in that way as well.
I always find it interesting what presidents get up to once they are no longer serving in office. We created a system that allows for change as power is passed from person to person and once someone's time is served they are allowed to return to the community and give back in other manors. Going into the arts after politics is an understandable outlet as theater and entertainment allows one to have a voice and to share different beliefs while creating community. Previously I had heard of Michelle Obama's movie but I didn't realize it was produced by the Obama's producing company. Using your time to commit to bringing more art into the world is a testament to the Obamas dedication to telling every story and ensuring that everyone has a community. Overall I think anyone who wants to tell stories should pursue that dream even if you used to be the president.
A fantastic play! And a fantastic way to fight against facism in America. One of Trump’s major attacks against free speech has been the pulling of funding, both artistic and scientific. If millionaires and billionaires want to directly fight against Trump and work to heal our country, arts funding is a genius way to do that. Politicians, movie stars, etc. could all produce or donate to companies whose values and missions they align with, or start their own non-profits. A lot of inaction is fueled by fear, but this method allows for a real impact on the people while not speaking out directionally against Trump, which could lead to backlash. One of the signs of thriving Society is the thriving of their Arts, and ours could use some serious help right now.
I’m not really surprised Barack and Michelle Obama decided to do this. Based on what I’ve seen in the past, they both seem pretty intrigued by the arts and have always appreciated the work people put into it. Though, it does make me happy at the fact that the 44th president of the United States and the former first lady wants to invest his money into Broadway. I feel it will draw more attention to Broadway and get people interested in watching more live theatre, not just the Obamas but overall big names showing support will draw more attention. I’ve never heard of this play before but I’m looking forward to seeing how the production turns out. I feel with the fact that the Obamas are producing it, the production will turn out looking great. I do hope other big names invest more in theatre and the arts, as these people also shape the future of theatre.
I think it’s interesting what the previous president and First Lady are doing in their lives when they are not in the presidents seat, I think it’s actually really cool that they’re putting their hands into the arts(politicians effecting art does have a possibility to be a bit controversial but I think in this case they’re not trying to advocate for their political careers so I think it’s fine) especially for a play as profound as this one, I remember seeing the movie while I was i child and while I don’t remember it completely I do remember liking it so I would definitely be interested in seeing it live. The cast for this movie is also pretty stacked big names doing theater isn’t really a new thing(in a lot of instances it’s easy to see that they were casted just to use their big names to attract more viewers, which isn’t completely wrong per say but it takes chances away from regular known actors and also just drives up the cost of the production) but this cast seems genuinely good.
More people should support the arts! No matter who you are and what you do, theatre touches on a field or emotion that is important to you. To be entirely honest, my first thought when I read the article title was that as politicians they were trying to make a statement by supporting something specific, but after reading more about the production it does not seem like that. Which is not to say that we should blindly accept things as we move forward, but instead appreciate the contributions that people are making to a valuable industry. This has opened up a new wave of thought as to who is helping produce what productions and why. Despite their intentions, it is very helpful to the production when celebrities of such stature support them because it draws good press to the show. I am interested to see if there is going to be an upward trend post-covid of celebrities helping fund new productions.
Post a Comment