To Be [right-wing] or Not To Be: Politics of Theater

This week, it is time for theater to go political. On Tuesday everyone in America will be waiting with hushed breath to find out who wins the race for presidency--why not talk about it? As I searched the blogosphere, I came upon two posts about theater and politics. Both authors discussed how theater has been lacking of a little right-wing controversy. Chris Wilkinson from the Noises Off blog writes about this shortage. His main issue focuses around another blog, that of Edward Einhorn at the Theater of Ideas blog. Here, Einhorn remarks about the recent New York Times article talking about how the political plays of today are mostly all liberal. The article fails to answer the question of why that is. According to Einhorn, the reason is a "current spate of political plays have reac[ted] against the Bush administration." I thought this was a clever idea and enjoyed reading his explanation. He even brought in a rather clever quote that Obama had said which I think only made Einhorn's point stronger. He even helped with continuing my point on how theater helps society today, by saying:

"But that is all part of a disdain for intellectuals that has become a standard part of political discourse here in America. And theater is an arena for intellectuals. Yes, it is also a place for emotions, and for beauty, but it is one of the few places where people are asked to think out loud in front of you so you can consider what they have to say. Theater like no other art form is about debate, and by that I don't mean televised debates meant to convince the public that you have the right demeanor and are capable of looking into the camera and sounding forceful, but actual debates of actual ideas."

Below you will find the comments posted on each post, as well as the links to each. I would beg you to read and understand these blogs with an open mind--one that is ready to learn and understand. That after all is what theater is about.


Noises Off: The Politics of Theatre

Mr. Wilkinson,

First off I would like to say thank you for writing about something I believe to be very important. As a student about to graduate from university with a degree in acting, I find it very valuable to hear about theater and its place in society. Specifically in politics. Since I am voting in less than 12 hours now, I am very intrigued by the candidates and their positions—however, I will say I am an Obama fan. I find it fascinating that we do not have much, if any, “right wing” theater here. Do you personally have an inkling as to why that may be? Are people truly afraid to do it? Maybe it is just easier to poke fun at the government.

I also really love the quote that Andy Burnham said, “all of us, and I include myself, need to remember just how affecting theatre can be for young people. It can be life-changing in your late teens and early 20s.” This is something I believe and attempt to promote through theater and why I want to be involved in the theater.

Lastly, I would like to respond to MichaelFowke in the previous comment. As long as I have been involved with acting and the theater, I do not believe I have stumbled upon one “intolerant (even fascist) socialists.” Everyone I have worked with and have talked to are waiting for criticism. We want to succeed in telling our stories truthfully. How can do we that if we are not told if something does not seem true? Yes, it is the playwright’s story and his/her view of the world is just that, and that cannot be changed. But that does not mean a story can’t be told or understood in another way.

That is the beauty of the theater. One mans garbage is another mans treasure. I apologize, but it seems that you are the intolerant socialist, as you do not want to learn about the world and how others view it.

Theater of Ideas: Why is Theater Liberal?

Mr. Einhorn,

This is a fascinating topic for me. It is so important to deal with what is going on in society today. Right now, that is the race for presidency. And it is true that theater plays a vital role in society, so it is a great question of why it does not represent from both sides. Do you have an idea as to why theater is not as right-wing as it could be? Do you think it may become so in the future? I am not sure if I would necessarily like modern right-wing theater, but how would I really know until I came upon some.

I love the quote from Obama. To me, that is exactly why one should vote for him. He is a normal person—not some robot the government is churning out and not some old man who can hardly see while driving his Volvo.

I should also like to think the insanity we share as those who love the arts are only promoting open minds, a new view of the world and the most important, thinking. One on end, my generation is very adamant about what we want but on the other hand, we don’t think for ourselves sometimes. We say we fight, but that is only once in a while. I am tired of the bleach blonde, BMW driving, princess who is always on the cell phone not watching the world go right past her.

Theater can change society. It can change it for the better. All we need to do is get them to see.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

and

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