I would assume that the RSC's Hamlet, featuring too rather large stars, has benefited in every way from the publicity. I'm sure the fans are also a nuisance. But is this ban too much, or a necessary evil?
As a former backstage worker and someone who has worked shows with "names" I have to agree with the RSC. People go BONKERS in situations like this. It sounds cold, and against my nerd roots, but...it's not a Sci-Fi Con, it's an RSC production. There's a time and a place for Dr.Who fandom, and the RSC stage door is not one of those places. Sorry, geeks!
I know I hate it when the wrong fans turn up for me. How embarrassing!
But, to be serious, I think what the RSC is doing makes sense, especially to thin the eBay autograph speculators out of the crowd, and make it more likely that the fans at the stage door actually attended the production.
I remember a WNYC interview with Ian McDiarmid was in New York for The Faith Healer. He was asked about the Star Wars fans, and he mentioned that he made a point of signing programs, but wouldn't sign Star Wars stuff. I think that is a sensible policy, considering the context. As Miss Banshee said, it would be different if he was making an appearance at a Star Wars event.
That being said, I would dare anyone to try to get Martha Plimpton to sign a Goonies DVD. I triple-dog-dare you.
If Shakespeare gets a new audience, who cares? Fantastic! If a Dr. Who fanboy goes to see his idol in Hamlet, at least he's being exposed to great words and characters, right? And, hopefully, the production is more about bringing the story to life than showcasing celebrities.
Does it mean that I'm a Shakespeare nerd if I didn't know who this Dr. Who guy was until I heard about the production? And it sounds like he has RSC cred, so it should be fine. It's not like it's Zack Efron and William Shatner. (And, hell, I'd probably see them too...)
As a former backstage worker and someone who has worked shows with "names" I have to agree with the RSC. People go BONKERS in situations like this. It sounds cold, and against my nerd roots, but...it's not a Sci-Fi Con, it's an RSC production. There's a time and a place for Dr.Who fandom, and the RSC stage door is not one of those places. Sorry, geeks!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I've also worked with names, and for the most part they just want to be left alone to do their work.
ReplyDeleteI know I hate it when the wrong fans turn up for me. How embarrassing!
ReplyDeleteBut, to be serious, I think what the RSC is doing makes sense, especially to thin the eBay autograph speculators out of the crowd, and make it more likely that the fans at the stage door actually attended the production.
I remember a WNYC interview with Ian McDiarmid was in New York for The Faith Healer. He was asked about the Star Wars fans, and he mentioned that he made a point of signing programs, but wouldn't sign Star Wars stuff. I think that is a sensible policy, considering the context. As Miss Banshee said, it would be different if he was making an appearance at a Star Wars event.
That being said, I would dare anyone to try to get Martha Plimpton to sign a Goonies DVD. I triple-dog-dare you.
David Tennant is a big star?
ReplyDeleteIf Shakespeare gets a new audience, who cares? Fantastic! If a Dr. Who fanboy goes to see his idol in Hamlet, at least he's being exposed to great words and characters, right? And, hopefully, the production is more about bringing the story to life than showcasing celebrities.
ReplyDeleteDoes it mean that I'm a Shakespeare nerd if I didn't know who this Dr. Who guy was until I heard about the production? And it sounds like he has RSC cred, so it should be fine. It's not like it's Zack Efron and William Shatner. (And, hell, I'd probably see them too...)