Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Disappointment of the Arts

As someone who has spent the greatest part of my life loving and intensely involved in the arts, I can always remember having a critical voice at the back of my head whilst watching things. You know the one: it notices that someone didn't get through their quick change fast enough so their hair is slightly unpinned, or that the scenery didn't clear the stage the way it should have, or that someone just messed up the choreography.... the one that, when silent, proves the quality of what you are watching.

I had the opportunity to go see one of the west end's newest shows last night. I was actually really looking forward to what I expected to be a strong show filled with energy and excitement - it was a brand new adaptation and still in previews, so those two qualities should have been a given. Instead, it was working too hard and failing to hit the right marks, the energy was lacking, and there was a complete lack of vocal strength from most of the leads.

The show itself is ok, but I am not convinced the changes made between London and Broadway have been for the better. What was most painful to see, however, was the lack of enthusiasm and energy that seems to be spreading through a lot of the "mainstream" productions these days. Leads are cast not because they are perfect for the roles in casting or ability, but because they are "names."

As someone who trained for this kind of work, it is a bit of a slap in the face when some TV presenter or reality TV star is handed a role of a lifetime and then can't actually do it justice. Shows should never look tired or like a lot of work - which is not to say they aren't hard work - especially not after a week and a half! Performing is as much a job as anything else, and of course there will be days it goes better than others; all jobs are like that. But the trend to bring "names" in to sell a show, regardless of their suitability, is one that ultimately will only serve to disappoint and ostracise the people who have a vested interest in the business as a whole and will undermine the trained performers and the industry.

The ensemble in the show last night were talented and working very hard with the little they had been given, but it wasn't enough to keep the energy up when two of the leads had no discernible chemistry at all and a few were struggling with being heard. My inner critic was unfortunately loudly commentating throughout. And as I left, I couldn't help but feel let down by an industry that has been so much a part of my life. I dont think it was just that show; the convention to cast via reality TV show or simply through notoriety is one that is prevalent today. And it saddens me to know that it is likely going to get a lot worse before it has a possibility to get better. But I have my fingers crossed.... and my expectations lowered.

2 comments:

  1. I am French and I discovered your blog by chance (I was looking for information on « Open hip twist » figure in cha cha).
    First of all, I would like to congratulate you for the quality of your blog (Especially the technical descriptions of figures that are well written and easy to understand. In addition, the more ‘philosophical’ thoughts of yours on topics such as competition and musically are also worth reading).
    I just read this post « Disappointment of the Arts ». It made me think about Top Hat that is currently still played in Aldwych theatre since Tom Chambers is coming from the TV world (actor in TV Series, winner of Stictly Come Dancing / Dance with the Stars, ). I live in France and was in London end of December 2012. I saw Top Hat, …..and…. for one of the rare times in my life I felt energy and excitement in a very strong manner while watching a show (and a person sitting not far away from me was clearly in a similar state.. so I was not alone to feel that). I am not working in the world of arts, I am just a passionate but still amateur ballroom dancer, I do not have your eye…. Anyway, if you have not seen Top Hat yet, I would recommend you do.
    Anyway, congratulation for your very interesting blog (I am in the process of reading everything)
    Pat.

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  2. My wife and I started Ballroom and Latin evening dance classes last year and have really enjoyed them. When stuck with some of the steps I've turned to the web for help and found your site. After hours of looking I can say with some authority that your site offers the clearest and simplest description of dance movements that are out there. Well done, you should feel really proud and thank you for sharing them with the rest of us.

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