John Doyle, the acclaimed Tony Award-winning director, has sparked a significant conversation in the theatrical community by expressing his concerns regarding the increasing use of trigger warnings before performances. He argues that such warnings may unintentionally “mollycoddle” audiences, ultimately undermining the raw and challenging nature of theatre. With a distinguished career that includes notable productions like *Sweeney Todd*, *Company*, and *The Color Purple*, Doyle’s insights reflect a broader debate on how art should engage with difficult themes.
The Role of Theatre in Challenging Audiences
In a candid discussion, Doyle articulated his belief that theatre should provoke discomfort and encourage audiences to confront their fears. Citing the ancient Greeks’ intent behind their works, he stated, “Take care of the audience, but the theatre is supposed to make you uncomfortable. It’s supposed to make you fearful.” He argues that sanitising challenging content diminishes the essence of theatre, which has historically aimed to explore the darker aspects of the human condition.
Doyle’s remarks also touch upon the current educational landscape, where some institutions shy away from studying works by Shakespeare due to concerns over offending students. “Shakespeare wrote about everything that there is to be about the human condition at its darkest,” he asserted, lamenting the potential loss of profound narratives if the industry continues to prioritise comfort over challenge.
The Debate Over Trigger Warnings
Trigger warnings, which are intended to alert audiences to potentially distressing content, have become increasingly common. For example, the Royal Shakespeare Company has implemented “content advisory” notices in its touring production of *Hamlet*, indicating scenes involving death and grief. However, notable figures in the arts, including Dame Judi Dench, have openly questioned the necessity of such warnings, suggesting that those who are overly sensitive might be better off avoiding theatre altogether.
Doyle recounted an incident while working with students on a production of Strindberg’s *Miss Julie*, where a student expressed frustration over the absence of a trigger warning. He contended that the very purpose of the playwright’s intent is to evoke strong emotions: “If I gave you a trigger warning, I would have been taking away the aim of the writer.”
The Financial Reality of Theatre Production
Doyle also highlighted the financial pressures facing the theatre industry, which may contribute to the reluctance to challenge audiences. He noted that the steep costs associated with staging productions create an environment where producers and directors fear backlash from audiences who might label a show as “too upsetting.” This hesitance, he argues, risks diluting the artistic integrity essential to theatre.
Moreover, he believes that the industry has strayed from its roots of honest storytelling, with productions often relying on extravagant visuals and technology. “We should be going back to honest storytelling that needn’t cost as much money,” Doyle remarked, advocating for a return to simplicity where the focus is on the narrative and the connection between performers and their audience.
A Call for Artistic Courage
In his recently published book, *Opening Doors: Reimagining the American Musical*, Doyle reflects on his journey from a working-class background to the heights of Broadway. He shares insights from his upbringing, suggesting that previous generations were more resilient when confronting uncomfortable truths, devoid of the need for trigger warnings.
He concludes by questioning the very purpose of theatre if audiences are forewarned about potentially upsetting content. “Isn’t that raw experience the point of the theatre? Perhaps to disturb really is part of the job,” he posited, urging a reconsideration of how theatre engages with its audiences.
Why it Matters
Doyle’s critique of trigger warnings taps into a larger dialogue about the role of art in society. By advocating for a theatre experience that embraces discomfort, he challenges current norms that prioritise audience comfort over artistic integrity. As the industry grapples with financial pressures and changing audience sensitivities, his call for courage and honesty in storytelling serves as a reminder that theatre’s power lies in its ability to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and confront the complexities of human existence.
