Sue's News

Disposable Theatre

August 24th, 2009

Having been a part of the festival circuit in NYC this summer, I took in a few of the shows on offer, and I was initially dismayed.

A lot of these shows aren’t really about social commentary or a deeper reflection on the human condition. Instead, many seem to quote national ad campaign taglines as punchlines and have 3D stereotypes running their mouths off.

The craft that at times has kept me struggling for years (I still tinker with the first play I ever wrote) seems to have been tossed aside, along with the idea of creating any kind of lasting piece of theatre that anyone will care to revive in 50 or 100 years’ time.

Do I sound like an old crank, yet?

Realistically this kind of disposable theatre is nothing new. Theatre “of the moment” like political satire, cabaret, and other “guilty pleasures” have been around for ages.

And though I aim to produce works that will not only stand the test of time but still be relevant long after I’m dead and gone, that’s not the aim of every writer.

Nor is every audience looking to be challenged. Not every audience wants to put in the work. Some just want to sit there and watch (or even be pandered to as many of the shows I’ve seen recently seem to do).

Though I don’t appreciate or seek out these shows (I saw all of these shows out of obligation), that doesn’t mean they’re not valid, or worthwhile for the audience they attract. Because in the end, it’s about getting folks to go to the theatre.

And who knows? Someday, some of these same theatre goers might develop a taste for theatre… graduating from Velveeta to an aged brie.

–Sue

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