Do all directors do this before the play starts?

Question

I went to see a play in a relatively small theater. The actual play was very good, but the problem was before the play started.

The director came out and started telling the audience his political views on local as well as national politics, and started telling us how we should all vote. He also addressed his friends in the audience and talked about how happy we was that they support his causes.

I found this to be extremely offensive, rude and irresponsible. I hadn't been to a play in years and wanted to get away from things like politics for a night and just watch a play. Instead I had to sit there for 30 minutes and listen to this guy ramble about his politics.

Needless to say its not something I'd ever want to sit through again. Is it common for directors or producers to talk to the audience like that before the play starts?

Answer 1

I have never heard of a director doing this. Normally there is a Directors Note in the program for the director to thank his/her family and crew. The director was out of line with coming out onto the tage and expressing his personal veiws, it was neither the time nor the place. A brief note in the program stating something like "Don't forget to vote!" Would have been more appropriate

Answer 2

While I'm inclined to agree that this is not particularly appropriate, I can imagine a set of circumstances in which this sort of polemic would actual be part of the performance - a way to agitate an audience, to get them out of their comfort zone. Probably not, though. Probably just a self-important diletante who was able to say what he wanted through his directing.

How does this compare with preachers who inject their personal political beliefs into their sermons? Is it any better or worse?

Answer 3

I have never heard of a director behaving like that. I would have walked out in the middle of his speech and told him I came to see a play, not listen to your political views.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I have never seen a director do something like this! He sounds like a pompous ***.
Some directors will welcome the opening night crowd with a few remarks but nothing like your guy.
I hope this doesn't put you off theater. If it had happened to me I would have complained to the house manager.
What play did you see, BTW?
D

Answer 6

That is totally, absolutely inappropriate. You should write a letter to theatre company and complain. That kind of a thing should not be happening.

Answer 7

No, it's unprofessional, even for a small local theatre.

Answer 8

It is very wrong. Director should be fired.

Answer 9

No, that would be a very amateur thing to do.