We cannot signpost all content that could potentially cause discomfort - it only detracts from the cases where it really matters
, in which he stars alongside Roger Allam at the Other Palace in London, “ludicrous”. The play not only has a minimum age recommendation of 14, but “trigger warnings” on the theatre’s website for strong language, sexual references, and “discussions of bereavement and cancer”.
“Outside theatres and in the lobbies, including this one, the audience is warned ‘there is a loud noise and at one point, there are flashing lights’, ‘there is reference to smoking’, ‘there is reference to bereavement’,” McKellen said. “I think it’s ludicrous, myself… I quite like to be surprised by loud noises and outrageous behaviour on stage.”
It’s unsurprising that McKellen, who is an 84-year-old Royal Shakespeare Company alumnus with a knighthood, is somewhat old-school: he has previously scoffed at the need for intimacy coordinators and said he is reassured when theatre actors do not use microphones.
The first is that, perhaps paradoxically, I think trigger warnings are important – and overuse devalues them. Trigger warnings came about on feminist message boards in the late 90s, and have become commonplace as part of the new wave of progressive identity politics. This makes perfect sense: it is extremely difficult to filter the content you see online, and they have historically been used in spaces where controversial and sensitive topics are discussed.
The clue is in the name – trigger warnings are necessary for content about highly triggering events and topics, such as sexual assault, racial violence, suicide and eating disorders. But if we use them too liberally, they all risk being dismissed as nonsense.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sir Ian McKellen says he 'likes a surprise' as he bemoans theatres mollycoddling audiences with warning signsSir Ian McKellen is performing alongside Roger Allam in Frank and Percy at The Other Palace in London.
Read more »
Ian King Business Podcast: High speed rail, airport scanners and water billsOn today's episode, Sky's Ian King speaks to the chief executive of construction firm Mace about reported plans to axe part of the HS2 rail line.
Read more »
'This school is a hub for the young generation'Parents and community leaders voice concerns about the closure of a local primary school.
Read more »