On April 19, monologist Mike Daisey's performance was interrupted by 87 students and parents getting up and walking out - and one of the people poured water all over Daisey's notes. I read about this, and watched the video (below) and read Daisey's reaction on his blog.
I admire the grace that Daisey showed under the circumstances. I would have been devastated (okay, I would have laughed it off, and then gone home and been devastated) if that happened at one of my shows (and I have had people walk out of shows that I've been in or directed - no one ever sabotaged anything, though).
I don't understand how anyone could do that to a performer. If you don't like the subject matter, don't go to the show. If you don't like it midpoint in the show, wait for intermission and leave if you must. For god's sake, heckle if you feel especially compelled. But to do what these people did, and to deface and destroy as they did it without explanation or comment, that is incomprehensible to me as a performer and as a person.
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4 comments:
Yeah, that was madness.
I mean, I don't have a moral or ethical problem with the walkout, even distractingly en masse like that, cause that's their right, and it's shitty, but...it's sorta the flip side of free speech; you're obligated to deal with non-violent reactions to your expression.
But the dumping of the water? That crossed a line for me. That's getting into the realm of oppression, of making the statement that "because I am morally superior to you I have the right to deface or otherwise hinder or destroy your intellectual property", and since an act of opression is necessarily violent (if not physically, then in its implications), I could make a case for assault, in my own head, anyway, if not in court. And tresspassing at the very least. I mean wouldn't the stage count as an "authorized personnel only" area in a theatre building?
He did handle it very well, though.
This did indeed make my heart ache for him. It's hard enough to get up and perform for people, let alone as a solo actor. I just cannot understand people.
That really is pretty heartbreaking. I am very impressed with his composure. I almost cried watching it. I know I would have broken down if that happened to me. Good for him for going on!
That was absolutely fascinating. Indeed, what a bunch of cowards.
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